People under 30

If your school offers a student health plan, enrolling in it can be an easy and affordable way to get basic insurance coverage.

But, even if you have access to a student health plan, you can still apply for coverage through the Marketplace. Based on your income, family size, and location, you might qualify for lower costs. Your next steps depend on your age and if you're listed as a dependent on someone else's taxes, like your parent's taxes.

I'm under 26 and a dependent on someone else's taxes, like my parent's

I live in the same state as my parent

Special Enrollment Period
A period of time outside of Open Enrollment when you can enroll in or change Marketplace plans.

, so your parent can add you to their plan. (You won't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you choose to drop your student coverage.)

I live in a different state from my parent

• Apply for coverage with your parent or stay on their plan if you're 26 or under. Before you enroll or decide to stay on a parent's plan, read the plan's coverage documents and review the provider network carefully so you know what the plan covers in the state you attend school.
• Apply for coverage yourself in the state you go to school. You may want to do this to enroll in a plan that better meets your needs in the state you attend school. When you fill out your Marketplace application, remember:
  • Even if you apply on your own, you still need to include information about your parent and their income when asked if someone will claim you as a dependent when filing federal income taxes. Being claimed as a dependent means their income affects your eligibility for savings on your Marketplace plan.
  • If your parent is applying for Marketplace coverage in a different state, they should include you on their application as a tax dependent who doesn't need coverage.
  • You and your parent may qualify for the
  premium tax credit Special Enrollment Period

  Special Enrollment Period
  A period of time outside of Open Enrollment when you can enroll in or change Marketplace plans.

  I'm 26 or older and a dependent on someone else's taxes, like my parent's

  You can apply for Marketplace coverage on your own or with your parent. But, if you apply with your parent, you might need to choose a separate plan because you're 26 or older. (You can stay on your parent's plan until the coverage ends on December 31, even if you turn 26 during the year.)

  Learn more about getting your own health coverage when you turn 26, including steps to take if your employer offers health insurance.

  No one claims me as a dependent on their taxes

  You can apply for Marketplace coverage regardless of your age if no one claims you as a dependent on their taxes.

  Complete a Marketplace application for the state where you live and need coverage.
  • If you're married and have dependents, include them on your application.
  • Your savings depend on your income (and your spouse or dependents), not your parent's.

  If you're under 21, you may need to provide information about your parent and their income to complete the application.

  Depending on your expected household income for the year, you may qualify for lower costs on Marketplace insurance or for coverage through

  Insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people below certain income levels.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  Children's Heath Insurance Program (CHIP)

  Insurance program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  When asked if you have health coverage, answer "No." Still choose "No" if you have student health coverage and plan to drop it when you enroll in a Marketplace plan.

  What do you want to do next?

  • Learn more about the benefits of having insurance.
  • Explore your options and next steps.