What are my options for health insurance?

• There are several options available to you. Watch this video for a good summary.

• You can also download the "Get Covered" toolkit here.

I am currently on my parent's plan, but I am about to turn 26. What do I do?

• The new Health Insurance Marketplace (aka "Exchange") might be an option for you. "Imagine Orbitz or Expedia for health insurance" (Getting Covered Toolkit).
• If you earn less than about $15,000 per year, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

How do I get on my parent’s health insurance plan if I am still under 26?

• The first thing you need to do is contact your parent’s insurance carrier and make sure they cover dependents under the plan.
• Typically you will need to wait until the next open enrollment period, unless you have a "qualifying event" (like losing your insurance). Many plans renew around the 1st of the year, so make sure to check with your parent's plan to see what the timeline is.

What if I am required to get insurance through my school?

• Colleges and universities often have health insurance plans for students. Usually you can choose whether you want to go on the university plan, or if you want to stay on another insurance plan like your parent’s plan or Medicaid.
• If you are required to have a special insurance for a sports team or study abroad, check with your current insurance company to see if this will interact with your current insurance plan.

For further discussion on health care reform for college students, click this link.

I just got a new job. (Congrats!) What questions should I ask my future employer about health insurance benefits?

Not all employers offer health insurance to their employees. Even if they do, the plans can be very different. Below is a list of good questions to ask when you are considering a job offer, before you decide to accept an employment contract.

• What type of plan is it?
• What is the employer’s contribution to the monthly premiums?
• What is the deductible?
• Do you offer vision and dental insurance as well?
• When would I be able to start on the plan(s)?

 

 

Coming soon: Q&A sections for mixed-immigrant status families, people with disabilities, Native Americans, senior dual-eligibles (eligible for both Medicare AND Medicaid), and small business owners.