Money · Insurance
Health insurance options
Under 26, you can usually stay on a parent's plan even if you move out, marry or aren't their tax dependent. Otherwise: a plan through work, a Marketplace plan at HealthCare.gov (Open Enrollment runs November 1 to January 15; enroll by December 15 for coverage January 1), a student plan, Medicaid if your income is low (apply any time), or a Catastrophic plan if you're under 30. Losing coverage gives you 60 days to enroll outside Open Enrollment, so don't wait.
You'll need
- An estimate of your income for the year you want coverage
- Any job offer or benefits packet
- Your parent's plan details, if you're on it
What to know
- Under 26? If a parent's plan covers dependents, you can usually join and stay until 26. On a job-based plan, that's true even if you marry, have a child, start or leave school, live away from home, aren't claimed as a tax dependent, or turn down your own job's coverage. Source: HealthCare.gov1
- Know when parent coverage ends. On a parent's Marketplace plan, you can stay through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or your state's age). For a job-based plan, ask the employer; some states and plans have different rules, so check your state's Department of Insurance. Source: HealthCare.gov1
- Check your job. If your employer offers coverage, you usually pick during your hiring window or the yearly enrollment period. See Choosing your benefits.
- Buying your own? Preview Marketplace plans and prices at HealthCare.gov without logging in. You may get savings based on your income, Source: HealthCare.gov2 and savings are based on your estimated income for the year you want coverage, not last year. Source: HealthCare.gov5
- Under 30? You can choose a Catastrophic plan: generally lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and copays, and it covers 3 primary care visits a year before the deductible. Source: HealthCare.gov7
- Low income? Medicaid gives free or low-cost coverage. In states that expanded Medicaid, you can qualify on income alone. Fill out a Marketplace application any time of year to see if you qualify. Source: HealthCare.gov2 Income limits, coverage and costs differ by state. Source: HealthCare.gov6
- In school? You may be able to enroll in a student health plan. Source: HealthCare.gov2
Marketplace dates
From HealthCare.gov. Source: HealthCare.gov4
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1 | Open Enrollment starts |
| December 15 | Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1 |
| January 15 | Open Enrollment ends |
| February 1 | Coverage starts if you enrolled December 16 to January 15 and paid your first premium |
| Any time | Apply for Medicaid or CHIP, or enroll with a Special Enrollment Period |
Life changes that can open a Special Enrollment Period
- Losing job-based coverage, COBRA, or coverage as a dependent on a parent's plan Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county, or to or from where you go to school Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Getting married (pick a plan by the end of the month; coverage starts the 1st) Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Having or adopting a baby Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Losing Medicaid or CHIP in the past 90 days Source: HealthCare.gov3
See it done
Video by HealthCare.gov Government
How to choose a plan in the Health Insurance Marketplace
2013 · Checked October 3, 2026
Heads up: this one's from 2013 and covers one option, buying your own Marketplace plan. Dates and prices have changed since. Staying on a parent's plan, coverage through work and Medicaid are in the steps.
Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.
If it doesn't work
- Turning 26 soon? Start comparing your own coverage before the parent plan ends; the 60-day window starts when coverage is lost. Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Lost a job with health insurance? COBRA may let you keep the same group plan for a limited time (generally at employers with 20 or more workers), but you may pay the whole premium plus up to 2%. Source: Dept. of Labor8 Losing job coverage also opens a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period, which may cost less with income-based savings. Source: HealthCare.gov3
- Marketplace says no savings? Check whether someone claims you as a tax dependent. You can still buy a plan, but you won't get income-based savings. Source: HealthCare.gov2
- Got care before you enrolled in Medicaid? Medicaid may help pay medical bills from the last 3 months, depending on your income and expenses then. Source: HealthCare.gov6
Good to know
The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.
Who counts in your household
For the Marketplace, count yourself, a spouse if married, and everyone you'll claim as a tax dependent. Source: HealthCare.gov5
Immigration status matters
Due to a law change, full Medicaid and CHIP are now limited to certain immigration statuses, such as green card holders. HealthCare.gov lists the details by state. Source: HealthCare.gov6
Learn the words first
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums decide what a plan really costs. See Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Take it with you
Printable cardDownload card (PDF)Sources
- HealthCare.gov How to get or stay on a parent's plan
- HealthCare.gov Getting covered if you're under 30
- HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment Periods
- HealthCare.gov Dates and deadlines
- HealthCare.gov Saving money on health insurance
- HealthCare.gov Medicaid and CHIP coverage
- HealthCare.gov Catastrophic health plan
- U.S. Department of Labor Continuation of health coverage (COBRA)
Lesson M8.2 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.
Find it online:
Once a week, if you want it
One new lesson or checklist a week. Totally optional. The lessons never need a sign-up.