University Students: Obamacare Eligibility Explained

Being a university student in the US comes with a number of health plan options, including the Marketplace, Medicaid, school health plans, catastrophic plans, and parents' plans. However, it is essential to understand that these options vary depending on factors such as age, dependency status, income, and residence. International students, for instance, are generally not eligible for Obamacare plans but must meet their university's health insurance requirements. Obamacare has improved insurance options for students, but it is crucial to explore the specific circumstances to determine eligibility and choose the most suitable plan.

University students can stay on their parents' insurance until they are 26

University students can stay on their parents' health insurance plans until they are 26 years old. This is a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which allows young adults to remain on their parents' health insurance plan until they turn 26, regardless of other factors.

This means that students can stay on their parents' insurance even if they are not enrolled in school full-time, are no longer claimed as a tax dependent, are offered coverage through their own employer, or are married. This provision also applies if the student doesn't live in the same area as their parents, although if the health plan only covers in-network healthcare, the student would have to travel to their parents' area for non-emergency medical care.

It is important to note that this provision only applies until the end of the year in which the student turns 26. After that, the student will need to find their own health insurance plan. There are several options available, including employer-sponsored insurance, a subsidized plan through the ACA marketplace, or a government program like Medicaid.

Additionally, some states, like New York and Florida, allow young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance plans until the age of 30, and many states allow disabled dependents to remain on their parents' plans indefinitely. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific rules and regulations of your state regarding health insurance coverage.

University students can apply for Medicaid

If you are a university student, you can apply for Medicaid through the Health Insurance Marketplace website. You will need to create an account and fill out an application. The Federal Marketplace will then send your information to your state agency, which will contact you with further information about enrollment if it looks like you qualify.

Medicaid is typically reserved for those with incomes at or below the threshold, and who are living on their own. If your parents claim you as a dependent on their taxes, you will not be eligible for Medicaid. However, if you are a university student who is not claimed as a dependent, you may qualify for Medicaid, especially if you are not working or only working part-time.

It's important to note that not all states have expanded Medicaid, so you should check with your specific state agency to determine your eligibility. Additionally, if you move to another state to attend university, it could complicate the coverage and application process.

Medicaid can provide affordable healthcare coverage for university students, allowing them to focus on their studies without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.

University students can apply for coverage through the Marketplace

If you are under 26 and listed as a dependent on your parent's taxes, your next steps for getting Marketplace coverage will depend on where you live and whether it is during the Open Enrollment Period (November 1 - January 15 each year). If you live in the same state as your parent, you can enrol in a Marketplace plan with them during Open Enrollment. If you lose your student coverage outside of Open Enrollment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which is a period of time outside of Open Enrollment when you can enrol in or change Marketplace plans, so your parent can add you to their plan.

If you live in a different state from your parent, you can apply for coverage with them or stay on their plan if you are 26 or under. Before enrolling or deciding 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. You may want to apply for coverage yourself in the state you go to school to enrol in a plan that better meets your needs in that state. When filling out your Marketplace application, remember that 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.

If you are 26 or older and listed as a dependent on someone else's taxes, you can apply for Marketplace coverage on your own or with that person. However, if you apply with them, you might need to choose a separate plan because you are 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.

If no one claims you as a dependent on their taxes, you can apply for Marketplace coverage regardless of your age. Complete a Marketplace application for the state where you live and need coverage. If you are married and have dependents, include them on your application. Your savings will depend on your income (and your spouse's or dependents' income), not your parent's. If you are 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 Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

University students can also look into other options for health coverage, such as enrolling in a student health plan offered by their school, staying on their parent's plan (if they are under 26), or applying for Medicaid or a catastrophic health plan.

University students can get a student health plan

Being a university student does not make you ineligible for Obamacare. In fact, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has improved health coverage options for students.

If your school offers a student health plan, enrolling in it can be an easy and affordable way to get basic insurance coverage. Student health plans are designed with students in mind and can provide high-quality coverage at lower rates. Here are some reasons why a student health plan may be a good option:

• Lower cost deductibles and premiums: Student health plans often have lower premiums and deductibles compared to other types of insurance plans. This can result in significant cost savings for students and their families.
• Comprehensive benefits: Student health plans typically include comprehensive benefits specifically tailored to meet the needs of students. These benefits may include added services not always found with other plans, such as better coverage for school-sponsored on-site health clinics and virtual visit services.
• Greater access to physician and specialist networks: Student health plans often provide access to a wide range of national and local networks of physicians and behavioural health specialists. This ensures that students can easily find in-network providers and receive the care they need.
• Protection from fees: Student health plans, whether fully insured or self-insured, count as Minimum Essential Coverage for Obamacare. This means that students with these plans are protected from any fees associated with not having insurance coverage.
• Flexibility: Student health plans offer flexibility for students who may be studying out of state or travelling back and forth between states. Students can often find plans that provide coverage in multiple states or take advantage of special enrollment periods to switch their coverage when needed.
• Cost assistance: Depending on their income and tax filing status, students may qualify for cost assistance when enrolling in a student health plan. This can make student health plans even more affordable and accessible.

When considering a student health plan, it is important to carefully review the specific benefits, coverage limitations, and costs associated with the plan. Comparing the student health plan to other options, such as a parent's plan or Medicaid, can help ensure that students make the best choice for their individual needs.

University students can stay on their parents' insurance if they are studying out of state

University students can stay on their parents' insurance plans until they turn 26, even if they are studying out of state. This is a provision of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). However, if the student's parents do not have a multi-state insurance plan, the student may find themselves with no non-emergency healthcare options outside of their home state.

Before Obamacare, eligibility to remain on a parent's health plan was often contingent upon being enrolled in school full-time, and the cut-off age was typically 22 unless a state had separate provisions. Now, young adults can remain on their parents' health plans until age 26, regardless of whether they are enrolled in school, whether they are counted as their parents' tax dependent, whether they have an offer of coverage from their own employer, and even if they are married.

If the student is attending college in another state, it may be more practical to get a new health plan that includes providers in the area where they will be living. This can be done either through the university or the Marketplace.

Frequently asked questions