Young adults have more access to health insurance coverage than ever before.1 However, despite these gains, they also have some of the highest uninsured rates of any age group in the United States. 2 Having adequate health insurance is critical, even if you are young and healthy. Without it, getting hurt or sick could result in costly medical expenses that could lead to financial hardship. Here are four health insurance options to help you protect yourself.

Get on or stay on your parent’s plan. If your parents have employer-sponsored health insurance or a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you usually can be added to or remain on a parent’s plan until you turn 26. Generally, you can stay on your parent’s plan until you turn 26 even if you:

  • Get married
  • Have or adopt a child
  • Start or leave school
  • Live in or out of your parents’ home
  • Aren’t claimed as a tax dependent
  • Turn down an offer of job-based coverage

Enroll in your school’s student health plan. Most U.S. colleges and universities require their students to have a certain level of health insurance coverage. If you are in college, you may be able to enroll in your school’s student health plan if you don’t already have health insurance or if your insurance plan does not meet the coverage requirements.

Apply for insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Marketplace plans offer affordable coverage for essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions. In addition, when you fill out an online application for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you will find out if you qualify for a plan that offers income-based savings (if you are not a tax dependent) or if you are eligible for other free or low-cost coverage (e.g., Medicaid, CHIP).

Obtain coverage through your employer. If your employer offers health insurance coverage, consider enrolling in your company plan. If you just turned 26 and are outside of the open enrollment period, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. Employer-sponsored plans are typically more affordable than individual health plans because many employers pay a portion of the premiums.

For more information on health insurance coverage for young adults, visit healthcare.gov.1) Urban Institute, 2021
2) American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau, 2020

The articles and opinions expressed in this document were gathered from a variety of sources, but are reviewed by Strickland Financial Group, LLC prior to its dissemination.  Any articles written by Graham M. Strickland or Strickland Financial Group will include a ‘by line’ indicating the author.  Strickland Financial Group provides a full range of financial services, including but not limited to: life, health, disability and long term care insurance, group and individual retirement plans and individual investments. Receipt of literature in no way implies suitability of product(s) in your financial plan. Strickland Financial Group maintains networking relationships with estate planning attorneys and tax professionals but does not itself offer legal or tax advice. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC (TRIAD), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through S&S Wealth Management, LP (S&S). A Registered Investment Advisor. Strickland Financial Group is independent of TRIAD and S&S.

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of NE and TX. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2022.

Gray Strickland

Author Gray Strickland

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