What Does Health Care Reform Mean for Me?

Navigating the world of health insurance can feel like a big task, whether you're a young adult under 26 or you're about to turn 65. The Affordable Care Act, also known as ACA or Obamacare, brought significant changes to how you get and use health insurance. 

Here's what you need to know about health care and how it impacts you. 

Thinking about health insurance might not be at the top of your list of fun things to do, but it is super important. Luckily, getting coverage might be easier than you think. 

Staying on your parent's health plan

If you're between 19 and 25 years old, you have the option of being covered under your parents' health care plan.

  • You can stay on your parents' health plan until you turn 26, regardless of your marital status, living situation, school attendance, financial dependency or eligibility for your employer's health plan.
  • This coverage doesn't extend to your spouse or children.
  • Health insurance companies are required to notify your parents about a special enrollment period for adding you to their health plan. 

Buying your own health plan

If your parent's don't have health coverage or if you can't be covered under their plan, you have the option of purchasing your own health plan. 

  • If you can't get insurance through your employer, you can buy your own health plan. 
  • Financial assistance in the form of subsidies may be available to help you lower the cost of your health plan. 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's individual health plans cater to a range of budgets, ensuring that health insurance can be more affordable than you think. 

Turning 26 and beyond

Once you turn 26, you will need to make arrangements for your own health coverage. 

  • If you're on your parent's health plan, the coverage will continue until the end of your birth month. Some health plans provide coverage until the end of the year. Have your parents check with their employer to see when your coverage ends. 
  • If you have an employer sponsored health plan, you should qualify for a special enrollment period when you turn 26. 
  • If you don't have employer-sponsored insurance, you can sign up for an  individual plan.
  • Remember to explore the possibility of subsidies to help make your health insurance more affordable. 

Understanding health care reform as a young adult can help you make confident decisions about your health coverage. Whether you continue on your parent's health plan or explore individual options, we are here to support you. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have a wide range of options available if you're turning 26.

Thinking about health insurance might not be at the top of your list of fun things to do, but it is super important. Luckily, getting coverage might be easier than you think. 

Staying on your parent's health plan

If you're between 19 and 25 years old, you have the option of being covered under your parents' health care plan.

  • You can stay on your parents' health plan until you turn 26, regardless of your marital status, living situation, school attendance, financial dependency or eligibility for your employer's health plan.
  • This coverage doesn't extend to your spouse or children.
  • Health insurance companies are required to notify your parents about a special enrollment period for adding you to their health plan. 

Buying your own health plan

If your parent's don't have health coverage or if you can't be covered under their plan, you have the option of purchasing your own health plan. 

  • If you can't get insurance through your employer, you can buy your own health plan. 
  • Financial assistance in the form of subsidies may be available to help you lower the cost of your health plan. 
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's individual health plans cater to a range of budgets, ensuring that health insurance can be more affordable than you think. 

Turning 26 and beyond

Once you turn 26, you will need to make arrangements for your own health coverage. 

  • If you're on your parent's health plan, the coverage will continue until the end of your birth month. Some health plans provide coverage until the end of the year. Have your parents check with their employer to see when your coverage ends. 
  • If you have an employer sponsored health plan, you should qualify for a special enrollment period when you turn 26. 
  • If you don't have employer-sponsored insurance, you can sign up for an  individual plan.
  • Remember to explore the possibility of subsidies to help make your health insurance more affordable. 

Understanding health care reform as a young adult can help you make confident decisions about your health coverage. Whether you continue on your parent's health plan or explore individual options, we are here to support you. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have a wide range of options available if you're turning 26.

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