Turning 26? Get your own coverage without a gap

When your parent's plan ends

• Job-based plans usually end during or shortly after the month you turn 26. Ask the employer's plan for your exact end date.
• A parent's Marketplace plan generally lets you stay on through December 31 of the year you turn 26, which lines up with Open Enrollment.

Your window and start date

• You can apply up to 60 days before your coverage ends and up to 60 days after.
• Enroll before the loss and coverage can start the 1st of the month after your old coverage ends.
• Enroll after the loss and coverage starts the 1st of the month after you pick a plan.

Money tips for your first plan

• If you won't be claimed as a dependent, your savings are based on your own household and income, which is often lower than your parents'.
• Check whether a job offers coverage. An affordable job-based offer can mean you don't qualify for Marketplace savings.
• Look at the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not just the monthly price.

Special Enrollment Period basics

• Most life changes give you 60 days to pick a plan. Losing Medicaid or CHIP gives you 90 days on HealthCare.gov.
• You may need to upload documents that prove the change, generally within 30 days of picking a plan. Your coverage can't be used until that's confirmed and your first premium is paid.
• States that run their own Marketplace may have their own rules and dates. I'll check yours.
• Private plans have their own enrollment rules. They are not ACA plans: they're medically underwritten, approval isn't guaranteed, they may not cover pre-existing conditions, and they don't qualify for tax credits.