26 Years of Age

Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?
A. If your parent’s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to, or stay on, their plan until you turn 26.

Q. What if I’m married or don’t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?
A. You can join or stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until you turn 26 years of age even if you:

• Are married
• Don’t live with your parents
• Are going to school
• Don’t count on your parents for money
• Can sign up for your own employer’s plan

Q. What is covered on my parent’s health insurance plan?
A. Your parent’s health insurance plan will provide you with benefits that cover basic health concerns. They are:

• Emergency care
• Prescription drugs
• Hospital stays
• Rehabilitative care and devices
• Maternity and newborn care
• Lab services
• Behavioral health/substance misuse
• Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) and chronic disease management

Your parent's premium will also cover many preventive services, such as screenings for high blood sugar or cancer. Even better, you may not have a copay, coinsurance or deductible for an annual wellness exam, if you visit a doctor in your health plan’s network.

Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?
A. Once you turn 26, your coverage on your parent's health insurance plan will end.  You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.

Q. How do I get coverage once I turn 26 years old?
A. If your birthday falls outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. That means you may be able to get coverage through your job.  Or visit bcbsnm.com to learn about Family and Individual health plans, or BeWellNM.com.  

Q. How soon do I need to apply before I turn 26 years old?
A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.

Q. What happens if I don’t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after I turn 26 years old?
A. If you don’t enroll in health coverage within the 60 days following your birthday, you may not be able to get coverage until the next Open Enrollment period.

Q. Why should I shop through BCBSNM or BeWellNM?
A. By using our site or the marketplace, you’ll be able to learn about health plans, compare plan benefits and prices, and buy health insurance that’s right for you. By doing a little research before buying, you can find plans with lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re at that “magic age”, DO something and get covered!

Originally published 8/27/2015; Revised 2018, 2020, 2024