Adulting 101: Health Insurance Edition
Life comes at you fast. One day you're on your parents' health insurance, the next you're signing a lease and googling “how to make a doctor's appointment." Welcome to adulting—where managing your health coverage is officially part of the deal.
Whether you're turning 26, changing jobs, or moving to a new part of Oregon, we've got you covered (literally). Here's what you need to know to navigate these big life transitions with confidence—and the right health plan.
Turning 26: Time for Your Own Plan
In Oregon (and nationwide), you can stay on your parents' health insurance until the end of the month you turn 26. After that, it's time to shop for your own coverage.
Good news: This transition qualifies you for a special enrollment period—meaning you can sign up for a new plan right away through the OregonHealthCare.gov.
Note: Most special enrollment periods allow you to enroll up to 60 days after the date of your qualifying life event. When you lose health coverage, you can enroll in health coverage up to 60 days before the day you lose health coverage and up to 60 days after.
Your options:
- See if your employer offers health insurance. Aging out of your parents' coverage is a qualifying life event, which will grant you a special enrollment period to enroll in your employer's insurance.
-
Check if you might qualify for Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state's Medicaid program. This is free health coverage for children and adults who meet income and other eligibility guidelines.
- Preview your options at
OregonHealthCare.gov to see what coverage or plans fit your needs and budget.
Tip: Most people who apply through the Marketplace qualify for financial help—sometimes monthly premiums as low as $1. Don't assume it's too expensive until you check!
New Job, New Coverage
Starting a new job? That's a huge step—congrats! If you're losing coverage from your old job or waiting for benefits at a new one, you have choices.
Losing health coverage - regardless of whether you quit, were laid off, or were terminated - triggers a special enrollment period, so you can shop for a new plan without waiting for open enrollment. If you are in between jobs or your new employer doesn't offer coverage, the Marketplace is a great option.
You can:
- Apply for the Oregon Health Plan if your income qualifies
- Enroll in a plan through
OregonHealthCare.gov – you very likely qualify for financial help!
Heads-up: You can enroll in a new plan from 60 days before to 60 days after the date your coverage ends.
Moving Within or to Oregon
If you're making a move—across town, across the state, or across the country—you may need to update or change your health coverage. Health insurance plans are specific to where you live, so moving to a new ZIP code could mean new plan options.
What to do:
- If you are already enrolled through the Marketplace, log in to your HealthCare.gov account to report a life change (your move). HealthCare.gov will tell you if you have new plan options to consider or if you need to change your plan.
- Visit
OregonHealthCare.gov to preview the coverage, plans and savings available to you when you get to Oregon.
- Enroll within 60 days of your move to avoid a gap in coverage. Don't forget to report your new address to your old insurance company and cancel coverage if needed!
Whether you're headed to Ontario, Bend, Eugene, or beyond—your plan should move with you.
Adulting is Hard. Getting Health Coverage in Oregon Doesn't Have to Be.
Transitions like moving, turning 26, or starting a new job come with a lot of “to-dos"—but getting health coverage shouldn't be one of the hard ones. OregonHealthCare.gov is here to help you find affordable, quality coverage that fits your life right now.
Need help? You've got options:
- Visit
OregonHealthCare.gov to find free local assistance from a health coverage expert near you.
- Call 855-268-3767 (toll-free) for one-on-one support in your language.
- Get the process started by previewing your options on
OregonHealthCare.gov.