Turning 26? Time to get your own health plan

If you have your own coverage, nothing changes. But if you’re covered under your parent’s plan, your coverage might end — either on the last day of your birth month or on December 31.

First, ask your parent for your Evidence of Coverage (EOC). It will explain what type of coverage you have. Then, you and your parent can check their employee handbook or contact their HR department to ask about your options.

Due to privacy rules, your parent might need to give permission for you to talk directly with HR. Now is the perfect time to explore your own plan options — we’re here to help you get started. Take the assessment to see plan options that match your needs.

Yes. Your parents can end your coverage under their plan at any time. 

You have many ways to stay covered, including:

• Individual and Family plans

Buy your own individual or family coverage through Kaiser Permanente or your state’s health benefit exchange. You might qualify for help to pay for coverage — such as subsidies or tax credits — from federal and state programs. These can help lower your monthly costs, based on your income and other factors.

• Medicaid

Medicaid provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. Visit the Kaiser Permanente Medicaid website to see if we offer a Medicaid plan in your area.

• COBRA health insurance through your parent’s employer

COBRA lets you temporarily keep your parent’s employer-sponsored coverage, but you'll pay the full cost yourself. Learn more below. Update your contact information to make sure you are getting all the latest information on your plan options.

Yes. Turning 26 is considered a “qualifying life event,” so you’re eligible for COBRA. But it can be more expensive than other options.

COBRA usually lasts up to 18 months. But since you're aging out of your parent’s plan, you might qualify for up to 36 months. Visit the COBRA continuation of coverage page to learn more. You also can talk to us about COBRA options available through Kaiser Permanente.

Depending on the option you choose:

• Individual or family plan: Coverage usually starts the first day of the month after your current coverage ends, but timing can vary. We'll confirm your exact start date when you apply.
• COBRA: Continues your current employer-sponsored coverage without interruption.
• Medicaid: Your coverage could start immediately on the date you apply, or on the first day of that month, depending on your state's rules.

You may qualify for help based on your family size and income. Check if these programs are offered in your area to help you stay covered:

• Kaiser Permanente’s Medical Financial Assistance
• Kaiser Permanente’s Charitable Health Coverage programs
• Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Visit healthcare.gov or your state’s health benefit exchange to check your eligibility. 

Turning 26 gives you limited time to enroll in new coverage. It can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone — we’re here for you every step of the way.

Here are your next steps:

• Individual plans: You normally have 60 days from your 26th birthday. Sometimes this period is 60 days before and after your birthday. (For example: If your birthday is June 1, you have from April 2 through July 31.)
• Employer coverage: Usually at least 30 days from your birthday, but details vary by employer.
• COBRA: Sign up within 60 days of losing coverage or receiving your COBRA election notice — whichever is later. Carefully check your notice for exact deadlines.
• Medicaid: You can apply anytime — there are no deadlines.

Act quickly. If you miss the deadline, you'll usually need to wait until the next open enrollment period, which usually starts November 1.

Your cost will depend on which plan you get. You’ll usually pay a monthly premium to keep your coverage active, plus smaller copays for doctor visits and other services. That amount can vary from plan to plan. Learn more about health plan costs and terms.

• COBRA: Yes. Your current doctor stays the same.
• New plan: You might be able to keep your doctor if they're in your new plan’s network. If not, you might need to choose a new doctor or pay extra for out-of-network care.