Many factors must be considered when deciding if you want to continue on your parents' insurance or switch to a new policy. Some of these factors include the type of coverage that you want, your budget, and how well the plan fits your needs.
What happens if I'm 26 and still covered by my parents insurance?
You can remain on your parents' health insurance until you turn 26 if they have an individual plan or group policy that offers dependent coverage. This is especially true for young people with relatively low-incomes, who may qualify for a Medicaid premium-free plan or a premium subvention through the exchange.
You will not be able to stay on the policy if you're over 26. If your parents' employer offers a plan that requires you to be covered under theirs, you should contact them to see what your options are.
Do I still have my parents' insurance when married?
You can remain on your parents' insurance plan until you reach 27 years old if you are married and they offer a dependent plan. This is particularly important if your family includes children.
Can I remain on my parents health insurance plan if the spouse of my employer is also covered?
You may be able, depending on the employer of your spouse, to remain on your parents' insurance plan after your marriage if your parents have a group or individual insurance policy that covers dependents. It's especially important to keep this in mind during the open enrollment periods of most states and if you suffer a qualifying health event.
Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I move?
If you're parents live in a separate state, you might want to buy your health insurance. You can buy a policy through your own state's marketplace or you can shop for an individual plan from the federal or private exchange.
What if I want to continue my parents' vision and dental coverage?
Almost all group health plans provide coverage for dependents. This includes dental and visual care. You can keep your parents' dental or vision coverage if you live with an adult child that is financially dependent on them, or is a student.
Can I stay on my parents' prescription drug and dental coverage?
Even if you are 26 years old, if your parents still cover a dependent (student) or prescription drugs and dental care for you, you may be able to keep the plan. This is useful if you are moving to a new area where the prescriptions or dental plans offered by your parents may be expensive or hard-to-find.
What if I want to continue my parents' Medicare coverage for dental, vision and/or dental care?
As long as your parents' condition continues, they will continue to be covered by Medicare, dental, and vision insurance. TCC is the temporary continuation of coverage. If you are a government employee, you have 60 days from the time your spouse turns 26 to notify your Benefits Contact and apply for TCC.