Qualifying Event: Age 26

In most cases, when you reach age 26 your parent can no longer keep you on his or her health plan.¹

The good news is that losing your parent's health care coverage when you turn age 26 is a qualifying life event. This means you don’t have to wait for the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) to sign up for a health plan. Instead, based on where your parent got his or her health plan, you can get your own coverage around your 26th birthday.

Here's how it works:

If you were covered under a plan your parent bought from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM), you’ll have within 60 days of your 26th birthday to sign up.

Or, if you were covered under a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll have until December 31 of the year you turn age 26 to sign up.

Why Get Health Care Coverage?

• We're a name you can trust. With 80 years of experience, BCBSNM is a trusted name in health care coverage. Stay protected with a company that has stood by generations of Illinois families.
• Accidents happen. Even if you’re in good health, you never know when you might have an accident or get sick. A trip to the hospital could cost more than you might expect. Learn more about the benefits of health care coverage.
• You may get financial assistance. BCBSNM has many health plan choices to fit your needs and budget. And if you earn less than $48,560 a year, you may be able to get help paying for your health care coverage costs. Estimate your subsidy, also known as a premium tax credit.

¹ Up to age 26 unless medically disabled.

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