If you are under 26 years old, you have many options:
- Get on your parents’ plan.
You can be on your parents’ health insurance plan until you are 26.
- Get on your school’s plan.
If you are in college, you could enroll in a student health plan. Student health plans usually have a specific enrollment period. Before you enroll in a school plan, review the plan to see about any limitations on covered services or where you can get your treatment. These plans can have limitations that you might not expect. Ask your school for more information.
- Buy your own plan.
You could get your own plan through Vermont Health Connect. You may qualify for help paying for a plan. Whether you are eligible for financial help depends on your income and whether you are a tax dependent (your parents claim you on their income taxes).
Because you are under age 30, you could buy a “catastrophic plan” on Vermont Health Connect instead of a regular plan. Catastrophic plans may be an affordable way to protect yourself from worst-case events, like getting seriously sick or injured. Catastrophic plans have lower monthly premiums. You will have high out-of-pocket costs, but you will be protected in case of a major health emergency.
- You may be eligible for Medicaid.
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for Medicaid, which is free health insurance from the state.
It can be hard to decide which option is best for you. If you have questions, contact us at the Office of the Health Care Advocate by filling out our form or calling 1-800-917-7787. There is no charge for our help.
Did You Know?
If your parents claim you as a dependent on their taxes, then:
- Your parents can get financial help to add you to their health plan if they have a plan through Vermont Health Connect and are eligible based on their income.
- You can buy an individual plan on Vermont Health Connect, but you will not be eligible for financial help.
- Your parents’ income will be counted when Vermont Health Connect decides if you are eligible for Medicaid.
