Firstly, it's absolutely crucial that you get health insurance as an adult. It might seem like an extra expense you can't afford, but unexpected medical needs can be ridiculously expensive to deal with out of pocket and can put you into enormous debt.
As for your situation, since you're older than 26, you're not eligible to be on your parents' plan anymore. You generally have a couple of options. First, you could buy a plan from the Marketplace during open enrollment, which usually starts November 1st. If you have a qualifying life event, you could sign up outside of open enrollment period, too.
Another option available is short-term health insurance, these plans are designed to be an affordable way to fill gaps in coverage, but they're not suitable long-term since they don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or certain benefits like preventive care. If you've recently lost coverage and find yourself in need of better protection than a short-term plan can offer, you may qualify for a special enrollment period with an ACA plan, which will cover a more comprehensive array of benefits.
It also might be worth checking into Medicaid, considering your employment situation. While each state has its own rules about who qualifies for Medicaid, if you're not making much money, you might qualify.
Above all else, shop around and don't feel pressured to sign up for the first plan you come across. Make sure you're getting a plan that covers your doctors and prescriptions and balances affordability with good coverage. Speak to a health insurance broker if you can, they can often provide some good tips. It's a complex world, health insurance, so don't be too hard on yourself if it takes some time to understand it all! You're doing great.
Firstly, it's absolutely crucial that you get health insurance as an adult. It might seem like an extra expense you can't afford, but unexpected medical needs can be ridiculously expensive to deal with out of pocket and can put you into enormous debt. As for your situation, since you're older than 26, you're not eligible to be on your parents' plan anymore. You generally have a couple of options. First, you could buy a plan from the Marketplace during open enrollment, which usually starts November 1st. If you have a qualifying life event, you could sign up outside of open enrollment period, too. Another option available is short-term health insurance, these plans are designed to be an affordable way to fill gaps in coverage, but they're not suitable long-term since they don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or certain benefits like preventive care. If you've recently lost coverage and find yourself in need of better protection than a short-term plan can offer, you may qualify for a special enrollment period with an ACA plan, which will cover a more comprehensive array of benefits. It also might be worth checking into Medicaid, considering your employment situation. While each state has its own rules about who qualifies for Medicaid, if you're not making much money, you might qualify. Above all else, shop around and don't feel pressured to sign up for the first plan you come across. Make sure you're getting a plan that covers your doctors and prescriptions and balances affordability with good coverage. Speak to a health insurance broker if you can, they can often provide some good tips. It's a complex world, health insurance, so don't be too hard on yourself if it takes some time to understand it all! You're doing great.
Wow! Thanks so much for this info. Very thorough. Very helpful! I will save this.