The teenage and young adult years come with a few milestone birthdays, from getting a driver’s license at 16 to reaching official adulthood at 18 to finally being able to rent a car at 25. Turning 26 may not feel like a major birthday, but it’s an important time when it comes to healthcare coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until their 26th birthday. Afterward, they’ll need to secure their own coverage.
Planning ahead and researching options — including coverage through an employer, individual marketplace plans or those offered through public programs — can help individuals and families make informed decisions and avoid potentially costly gaps in coverage.
“Understanding your choices when it comes to health insurance at any age is so important, but especially when you’re navigating major life transitions, like turning 26, without losing access to care,” said Patrice Bergman, Blue Shield’s vice president of Individual and Family Plans. “We are here to help educate and support our members and prospective members every way we can.”
Before young adults reach age 26, those with existing Blue Shield of California coverage should explore our plan options that match their health needs and budget, ensuring continuous coverage with the medical, dental and vision benefits their family already trusts.
With our digital member portal and mobile app, young adults and their families can view benefits, estimate care costs and connect with their providers, to ensure a seamless transition when moving from a parent’s plan to their own.
Steps to take to secure a health plan when turning 26
- Review plan options:
- Employer-based coverage: If you work for an employer, look into which medical, dental and vision plans are available to you.
- Individual and Family Plans: If you do not have employer-sponsored coverage available to you — or if you would like to explore additional options — visit our Blue Shield of California website, where you can compare benefits, premiums and out-of-pocket costs to find the best fit.
- Apply for coverage
- Employer-based coverage: Follow your employer’s enrollment process.
- Individual and Family Plans: Once you've selected a plan, apply for coverage directly through the Blue Shield of California website or by calling a Blue Shield Adviser at (855) 857-2989 for assistance.
- Consider timing: Turning 26 initiates a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a new health plan.
- For employer-sponsored coverage: The enrollment window varies, so reach out to your Human Resources department to confirm.
- For off-exchange Individual and Family Plans: Purchased directly through a health plan like Blue Shield of California — this Special Enrollment Period begins at the end of the 26th birthday month and ends 60 days after.
- For on-exchange Individual and Family Plans: Purchased through Covered California — this Special Enrollment Period begins on the last day of the year in which the child turns 26 and ends 60 days after. Based upon income, many 26-year-olds may be eligible for subsidies if they purchase coverage on-exchange.
If you do not obtain coverage during the special enrollment window, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to sign up. This is why it is crucial to apply for new coverage within this time frame to avoid any gaps in health insurance.
Learn more about Blue Shield of California offerings if you or your child is turning 26: Special enrollment period - child turning 26 | Blue Shield of CA