Until what age can a child stay on their parents' health insurance?

ngpf.org 4/29/25

Q:

Insurance

QUESTION OF THE DAY

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Insurance

26 years old

From HHS: “Under current law, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. Children can join or remain on a parent's plan even if they are: Married, not living with their parents, attending school, not financially dependent on their parents or eligible to enroll in their employer’s plan.”

A:

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Source: HHS

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

1. There’s a misconception that young people don’t have to get insurance because they’re generally healthy and don’t need it. What’s one argument against this?
2. Do you think there is a cost to being on a parent's health insurance plan? If so, do you think a child's insurance is more/less expensive than their parent's health insurance?
3. Do you think it is a good policy to allow students to stay on their parent's health insurance plans up to this age? Why or why not?