I’m turning 26 in April 2025 and that means I’ll lose coverage under my dad’s insurance. I’ve got some health conditions that need follow-ups and regular meds throughout the year.
I moved back home recently and started a new job where I work full-time hours, but I’m only labeled ‘part-time’ because someone else is on FMLA. They can’t replace that person unless she doesn’t return, so I won’t be considered a ‘full-time employee’ with benefits until at least next year.
This means I’m probably looking at a year without coverage once I’m no longer on my dad’s plan in April 2025.
My boyfriend, who also moved with me, works in construction and doesn’t have health insurance either. Any advice on affordable options? Should I look for coverage for both of us or just myself?
Age 26, Kentucky, income estimate for myself around $2200 monthly, and combined income for me and my boyfriend around $5800 (he’s 27). Thanks!
Thanks for posting! Make sure to include your age, state, and estimated income so people can give you better advice. If you need emergency care, call 911.
A few reminders:
If you have an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) on your insurance website, it’s helpful to have that info ready.
Check out healthcare.gov—it’s the official ACA marketplace. All plans on the site cover pre-existing conditions, give you free preventive care, and you can’t be kicked off mid-year.
If your income is low, you could qualify for subsidies. Since you’re losing your parent’s plan at 26, you’ll qualify for a special enrollment period and can apply up to 60 days in advance. Start the process early to avoid a gap in coverage.
@Marlow
Good advice! Just a note: Kentucky has its own state exchange, kynect.ky.gov, so it’s worth checking that directly. But healthcare.gov should redirect you there if needed.
Vale said: @Marlow
Good advice! Just a note: Kentucky has its own state exchange, kynect.ky.gov, so it’s worth checking that directly. But healthcare.gov should redirect you there if needed.
Yep, if a state has its own site, healthcare.gov will usually send you there automatically!
@Marlow
Agreed. I tested the Kentucky tool for your situation, and you may qualify for $311 in premium help. You might even get a plan as low as $0 per month, like an Anthem bronze plan (though it has a high deductible) or a Passport silver plan for $19/month with a $1.5k deductible.
Make sure to read through the plan details for your state. I went with a plan that ended up excluding my main medication, so it’s worth digging into the fine print. You may also want to consider jobs with health coverage.
Your boyfriend’s income won’t count toward your own income unless you’re married or file taxes together. You can stay on your parent’s insurance until you turn 26, and if your job offers insurance later, that’s ideal.
If they don’t, you can look at the ACA marketplace a month before your birthday to check what plans you can afford. Aging off your parent’s plan may also qualify you for COBRA, where you’d pay 102% of the premium for 18 months.
At your income, you’re above the qualifying level for Kentucky Medicaid, but you might want to check out local Federally Funded Health Centers for lower-cost care. You can find one here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
Look for a community health center with a sliding fee scale—they’ll help you find the most affordable option. They’re a good safety net and have lower costs. Here’s an example I found in Kentucky (not sure where you’re based): Sliding Scale Fee - Park DuValle Community Health Center
Find a local independent insurance broker who knows ACA plans well. They’ll help you get the best option, but wait until January to contact them, since it’s busy season now with open enrollment.
About the insurance you had with your old job—were you covered through them and your dad’s plan at the same time, or did you only get on your dad’s plan after moving back?
Yeah, the big issue is how tied health insurance is to jobs. If you can, finding a new job that includes health benefits might be the most secure option.
You should be able to stay on your current plan for 36 months under COBRA once you age out, so check with your current insurance provider about how much the premiums would cost for you.
