How can a young adult under 26 stay on their parent's health insurance plan in California, and what happens when they turn 26?

In California, you can generally remain on your parent's health insurance plan until your 26th birthday. Turning 26 is a qualifying life event that gives you a Special Enrollment Period to purchase your own health insurance plan. Here are the steps to manage this transition: Step 1: Get Enrolled by Your Parent Your parent must add you as a dependent to their health plan. This is typically done during their employer's annual open enrollment period. They should contact their Human Resources (HR) department or the insurance carrier directly to complete the necessary paperwork. Step 2: Confirm Your Coverage Once enrolled, your parent should receive a new insurance card for you and updated plan documents. Verify with the insurance company that you are officially listed as a covered dependent. Step 3: Plan Ahead for Your 26th Birthday About three to four months before you turn 26, start researching your own health insurance options. Your coverage under your parent's plan will terminate at the end of the month in which you turn 26. Step 4: Use Your Special Enrollment Period Losing coverage at age 26 is a "qualifying life event" that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This period allows you to enroll in a new plan outside of the standard open enrollment window. Your SEP generally starts 60 days before your 26th birthday and ends 60 days after your coverage loss. Step 5: Enroll in Your Own Plan To enroll, visit Covered California (www.coveredca.com), the state's official health insurance marketplace. You can also purchase a plan directly from an insurer. You will need to provide proof of losing coverage (usually a letter from your parent's insurer), your Social Security number, and your income details. Important Details and Nuances: Your eligibility to stay on a parent's plan until age 26 does not depend on whether you are financially dependent, married, living with your parents, or a student. COBRA may be an option to continue the same plan, but it is often significantly more expensive. Warnings and Limitations: Do not miss your Special Enrollment Period deadline. If you fail to enroll within the 60-day window after your coverage ends, you may have to wait until the next annual open enrollment period, potentially leaving you uninsured. Also, if your parent's plan is an HMO, your care may be restricted to providers in their geographic area. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.