Graduating? You have health insurance options

Published on May 19, 2016

Find your best options fast

3 health insurance options

• Under 26? Stay or get covered on a parent’s health insurance plan
  • You may be able to get added to or stay covered under a parent’s health insurance plan until you turn 26 — even if you’re married, not living at home, financially independent, or have an offer of insurance through a job.
• Buy your own health insurance plan
  • You may be able to buy your own plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace^®. If you’re just starting out and not making much money, you’ll probably qualify for savings — which may make your monthly health insurance bill less than your cell phone bill.
  • You also can choose a "Catastrophic" health plan — an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case scenarios.
  • Outside the yearly
    Open Enrollment Period

    The yearly period (November 1 – January 15) when people can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan.

    , you can enroll only if you have a life change that qualifies you for a
    Special Enrollment Period

    A time outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period when you can sign up for health insurance. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, or if your household income is below a certain amount.

    . Turning 26 and dropping off a parent’s insurance plan, losing health insurance for any other reason, getting married, or having a baby are just a few changes that let you enroll in the off-season.
  • See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• Get coverage through Medicaid or CHIP
  • In some states, Medicaid covers all adults below a certain income level. If you qualify, you can enroll any time. See if this applies to your income and your state.
  • In all states, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide health coverage for some individuals, families and children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.