Massachusetts: Turning 26? What you need to know to #StayCovered

via the Massachusetts Health Connector:

Are you turning 26 soon and still on your parent’s health insurance policy?  Did you know that you will need to take action or you may no longer have health insurance? Don’t worry, you have options!

Turning 26 triggers a special enrollment period that allows you to enroll in new health insurance coverage a within 60-days of your birthday.

Get coverage from your job

If you have a job that offers insurance, you can enroll in that coverage as turning 26—known as aging out—is considered a qualifying life event and will enable you to enroll in job-based coverage outside of your job’s open enrollment period.

Get covered through your school

If you are a college student, you may be able to enroll in a student health insurance plan through your school. Find out more

Apply for coverage through the Health Connector

When you apply for coverage through the Health Connector, you could be eligible for subsidies to help lower the cost of health insurance. Also, depending on your household size, income, and other factors, you may be eligible for MassHealth (Medicaid) coverage.

By apply for coverage through the Health Connector, you can see if you are eligible for coverage through the Health Connector or MassHealth without needing to complete a separate application.

• Get started now
• Get help applying

Do I qualify for help paying for health insurance costs?

If you’re not your parent’s tax dependent when you lose coverage you may be eligible for savings if you qualify based on your income and don’t have an offer of job-based coverage. Most people who apply do qualify for savings, such as a ConnectorCare insurance plan through the Health Connector, or MassHealth coverage.

If you are a tax dependent when you lose coverage: If enroll in a plan through the Health Connector, your eligibility for savings is based on the whole tax household’s income, not just your own. This may impact if you are eligible for savings.

Need help?

You can call customer service at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), or TTY 1-877-623-7773 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled. Or, contact Navigator in your area.