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How to get or stay on a parent’s plan

If a parent’s health insurance plan covers dependents, you usually can be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26.
Covered by a parent’s plan and about to turn 26? See how to get your own health coverage.

How to get added to a parent’s insurance plan

  • Job-based plans: Your parent can add you to their insurance during the plan’s yearly Open Enrollment Period or during a
    . Your parent should check with the plan or their employer’s benefits department for details.
  • Plans bought through the Health Insurance Marketplace®: When a parent applies for a new plan in the Marketplace, they can include you on their application. They can add you to an existing Marketplace plan only during the yearly
    or a Special Enrollment Period.

You can stay on a parent’s plan until you turn 26

Once you’re on a parent’s job-based plan, in most cases you can stay on it until you turn 26.
Generally, you can join a parent’s plan and stay on until you turn 26 even if you:
  • Get married
  • Have or adopt a child
  • Start or leave school
  • Live in or out of your parent’s home
  • Aren’t claimed as a tax dependent
  • Turn down an offer of job-based coverage
If you’re covered by a parent’s job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules.
If you’re on a parent’s Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).

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