According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all those under 26 can remain on their parents' health insurance plans. This means when your 26th birthday comes around, you are required to get off the plan and look for a new plan or other potential coverage options. Let’s dive deeper into other options during this Open Enrollment Period.

When Will I Need to Choose

a New Health Insurance Policy?

Your parents’ insurance will continue until the last day of your birth month (at age 26). After that time, you can no longer stay on your parents’ health insurance. Before that date, you will need to have an alternative ready, so you don’t have any gaps. When you turn 26, you will have a Special Enrollment Period, in which you can enroll in a policy outside of Open Enrollment time. This period occurs 60 days before you lose coverage and lasts 60 days after you lose coverage.

I Need an Alternative to My Parents’ Health Insurance. Can I Find Another Option?

Health insurance shopping is daunting. It is a whole new world and, for the most part, a little confusing. Let's go over some possible choices to check out before you turn 26. It is always better to have an informed decision than choose one abruptly.

• Employer-Sponsored Plan: This would be a plan that you can sign up for through your place of employment. In most cases, payment for your health insurance will come out of your paycheck.

• College-Provided Insurance: Most colleges have an insurance option that students can sign up for.

• Health Insurance Marketplace: This is the place to online shop for a plan during Open Enrollment. Here, you can check out multiple insurance companies and figure out what suits you best.

• Medicaid: This is an alternative you must qualify for, but it is a low-cost plan.

• Health Sharing Networks:  These organizations provide alternatives to Obamacare and is an alternative to traditional health insurance. Instead, with our Health Sharing Program , you are sharing your Community's medical bills and could save up to 50% compared to traditional insurance. Does this sound like a better alternative? Learn More: Click Here