https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-ageen-USTelligent Community 12https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-ageTue, 02 Apr 2024 21:14:22 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654BCBSTX Connect Teamhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsCurrent Revision posted to Ask BCBSTX by BCBSTX Connect Team on 4/2/2024 9:14:22 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to, or stay on, their plan until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan until you turn 26 years of age even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your own employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will provide you with benefits that cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance misuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) and chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Your parent&#39;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&rsquo;s network.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. Once you turn&nbsp;26, your coverage on your&nbsp;parent&#39;s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage once I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />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. &nbsp;Or <a title="visit bcbstx.com" href="https://www.bcbstx.com/individual-family-health-insurance">visit bcbstx.com</a> to view and compare all our Family and Individual health plans, including the plans we offer on the Health Insurance Marketplace.</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp;or the Health Insurance Marketplace, you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for a health plan, compare plan benefits and prices, and buy health insurance that&rsquo;s right for you. By doing a little research before buying, you can find plans with lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p> <p style="text-align:right;"><span style="font-size:75%;"><em>Originally published 9/24/2014; Revised 2018, 2020, 2024</em></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Open Enrollment</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/6Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:21:14 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654BCBSTX Connect Teamhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 6 posted to Ask BCBSTX by BCBSTX Connect Team on 3/28/2024 6:21:14 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to, or stay on, their plan until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan until you turn 26 years of age even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your own employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will provide you with benefits that cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance misuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) and chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Your parent&#39;s premium will also cover many preventive services, such as screenings for high blood sugar or cancer.&nbsp; Even better, you may not have a copay, coinsurance or deductible for an annual wellness exam or , if you visit a doctor in your health plan&rsquo;s network.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. Once you turn&nbsp;26, your coverage on your&nbsp;parent&#39;s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage once I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />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. &nbsp;Or <a title="visit bcbstx.com" href="https://www.bcbstx.com/individual-family-health-insurance">visit bcbstx.com</a> to view and compare all our Family and Individual health plans, including the plans we offer on the Health Insurance Marketplace.</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after I turn 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp;or the Health Insurance Marketplace, you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for a health plan, compare plan benefits and prices, and buy health insurance that&rsquo;s right for you. By doing a little research before buying, you can find plans with lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p> <p style="text-align:right;"><span style="font-size:75%;"><em>Originally published 9/24/2014; Revised 2018, 2020, 2024</em></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Open Enrollment</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/5Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:35:58 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654BCBSTX Connect Teamhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 5 posted to Ask BCBSTX by BCBSTX Connect Team on 2/10/2020 7:35:58 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to or kept on their health insurance until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will give you the benefits that are meant to cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance abuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) &amp; chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Also, most preventive care will be fully paid by your parent&rsquo;s premium &ndash; like certain screenings to check for health problems such as high blood sugar or cancer. And, you won&rsquo;t have a copay, coinsurance or deductibles for an annual wellness exam or immunizations.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. Once you turn&nbsp;26, your coverage on your&nbsp;parent&#39;s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage now that I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. This is the time to explore your options! If your birthday is outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . This means you may be able to get coverage through your job or buy an individual plan through our health insurance&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace .</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance. You might get lower costs on your monthly premiums and lower out- of-pocket costs just by doing a little research before buying.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy Health Insurance, Open Enrollment</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/4Fri, 19 Oct 2018 13:38:02 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654LaurenDhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 4 posted to Ask BCBSTX by LaurenD on 10/19/2018 1:38:02 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to or kept on their health insurance until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will give you the benefits that are meant to cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance abuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) &amp; chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Also, most preventive care will be fully paid by your parent&rsquo;s premium &ndash; like certain screenings to check for health problems such as high blood sugar or cancer. And, you won&rsquo;t have a copay, coinsurance or deductibles for an annual wellness exam or immunizations.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. Once you turn&nbsp;26, your coverage on your&nbsp;parent&#39;s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage now that I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. This is the time to explore your options! If your birthday is outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . This means you may be able to get coverage through your job or buy an individual plan through our health insurance&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace .</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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 (Nov. 1, 2018-Dec. 15, 2018).</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance. You might get lower costs on your monthly premiums and lower out- of-pocket costs just by doing a little research before buying.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Family, Buy Health Insurance, Open Enrollment</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/3Tue, 16 Oct 2018 19:14:44 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654BCBSTX Connect Teamhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 3 posted to Ask BCBSTX by BCBSTX Connect Team on 10/16/2018 7:14:44 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to or kept on their health insurance until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will give you the benefits that are meant to cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance abuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) &amp; chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Also, most preventive care will be fully paid by your parent&rsquo;s premium &ndash; like certain screenings to check for health problems such as high blood sugar or cancer. And, you won&rsquo;t have a copay, coinsurance or deductibles for an annual wellness exam or immunizations.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage now that I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. This is the time to explore your options! If your birthday is outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . This means you may be able to get coverage through your job or buy an individual plan through our health insurance&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace .</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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 (Nov. 1, 2018-Dec. 15, 2018).</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance. You might get lower costs on your monthly premiums and lower out- of-pocket costs just by doing a little research before buying.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Family, Buy health insurance, Open enrollment</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/2Thu, 12 Jul 2018 01:23:29 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654LaurenDhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 2 posted to Ask BCBSTX by LaurenD on 7/12/2018 1:23:29 AM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to or kept on their health insurance until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will give you the benefits that are meant to cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance abuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) &amp; chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Also, most preventive care will be fully paid by your parent&rsquo;s premium &ndash; like certain screenings to check for health problems such as high blood sugar or cancer. And, you won&rsquo;t have a copay, coinsurance or deductibles for an annual wellness exam or immunizations.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage now that I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. This is the time to explore your options! If your birthday is outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . This means you may be able to get coverage through your job or buy an individual plan through our health insurance&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace .</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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 (Nov. 1, 2018-Dec. 15, 2018).</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance. You might get lower costs on your monthly premiums and lower out- of-pocket costs just by doing a little research before buying.</p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy health insurance</div> https://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age/revision/1Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:17:30 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d28972af-09cc-4aaa-93ef-1b0da9950654BCBSTX Connect Teamhttps://connect.bcbstx.com/ask-bcbstx/w/frequently-asked-questions/22/26-years-of-age#commentsRevision 1 posted to Ask BCBSTX by BCBSTX Connect Team on 9/24/2014 10:17:30 PM<br /> <p><strong>Q. What health insurance for young adults can I have until the age of 26?<br /></strong>A. If your parent&rsquo;s health insurance covers young adults, then you can be added to or kept on their health insurance until you turn 26.</p> <p><strong>Q. What if I&rsquo;m married or don&rsquo;t live with my parents? Can I still get health insurance?</strong><br />A. You can join or stay on a parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan even if you:</p> <ul> <li>Are married</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t live with your parents</li> <li>Are going to school</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t count on your parents for money</li> <li>Can sign up for your employer&rsquo;s plan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Q. What is covered on my parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan?</strong><br />A. Your parent&rsquo;s health insurance plan will give you the benefits that are meant to cover basic health concerns. They are:</p> <ul> <li>Emergency care</li> <li>Prescription drugs</li> <li>Hospital stays</li> <li>Rehabilitative care and devices</li> <li>Maternity and newborn care</li> <li>Lab services</li> <li>Behavioral health/substance abuse</li> <li>Preventive/wellness services (like yearly check-ups and vaccinations) &amp; chronic disease management</li> </ul> <p>Also, most preventive care will be fully paid by your parent&rsquo;s premium &ndash; like certain screenings to check for health problems such as high blood sugar or cancer. And, you won&rsquo;t have a copay, coinsurance or deductibles for an annual wellness exam or immunizations.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens when I turn 26 years old?<br /></strong>A. s health insurance plan will end.&nbsp; You would need to enroll in health coverage on your own.</p> <p><strong>Q. How do I get coverage now that I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. This is the time to explore your options! If your birthday is outside the open enrollment period, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . This means you may be able to get coverage through your job or buy an individual plan through our health insurance&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace .</p> <p><strong>Q. How soon do I need to apply before I&rsquo;m turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. You can enroll up to 60 days before your 26th birthday. Your Special Enrollment Period ends 60 days after your birthday.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll during my Special Enrollment Period after turning 26 years old?</strong><br />A. If you don&rsquo;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 (Nov. 15, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015).</p> <p><strong>Q. Why should I shop through BCBSTX or the Health Insurance Marketplace?</strong><br />A. By using our site&nbsp; or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you&rsquo;ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance. You might get lower costs on your monthly premiums and lower out- of-pocket costs just by doing a little research before buying.</p> <p><strong>Q. What happens if I don&rsquo;t enroll in health coverage after my 26th birthday?</strong><br />A. If you aren&rsquo;t insured, you may have to pay the penalty fee on your tax return when you file in 2015. However, if you don&rsquo;t have coverage for less than 3 months of the calendar year, you don&rsquo;t have to pay the fee.</p> <p></p> <p>If you&rsquo;re at that &ldquo;magic age&rdquo;, DO something and get covered!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> <div style="font-size: 90%;">Tags: Special Enrollment, Affordable Care Act, Buy health insurance</div>