Health insurance is something we all need, whether we want it or not. So what are some ways to manage it in the most financially and mentally efficient ways? Let’s get into how to adult with Health Insurance!

Below are some suggestions based on your age and be sure to watch and share the video above for more information!

AGES 18-25:

Imagine this: You’ve just moved away from home. It’s midterm exam time. Just as you’re memorizing 17th-century English writers, a cough comes on. Then another and another. You wake up barely able to breathe but still have to function. What do you do? Get medicine, obviously! But do you have health insurance, that is the question?

• Stay on your family plan until you’re 26
• Check with your college to see if they have any health plans available! Within New Jersey there are multiple colleges that offer them, such as; Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Drew University, and Montclair State University.
• Benefits / Advantages of Student Plan: You’re covered all year, not just during the school year. Plus many plans follow you if you transfer to an out-of-state school!

AGES 26+

Regardless if you moved back home after college or are out on your own, we don’t judge. Neither does your health insurance options.

Get a Catastrophic plan which is available if you’re under 30 or qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption. This is a low premium, high deductible plan that’s designed to protect you in a worst-case scenario. It covers cover the same minimum health benefits as other health plans, including:

• Preventive Services
• Emergency Services
• Prescription Drugs

You must pay for all health-care costs until you meet a high annual deductible. It also includes:

• Three primary care visits every year
• Free preventive services required under the Affordable Care Act, including certain screenings and immunizations.

Apply for a Rider

Once you age out of eligibility you have the option to remain with the group’s coverage for an additional period of time if its a group health plan associated with:

• COBRA
• New Jersey Small Group Continuation (NJSGC) law
• New Jersey Dependent Under 31 law (DU31)

This DOES NOT apply if the parent has an individual health plan.

AGES 30+

We don’t mean to be so blunt but it’s time to find new health insurance.

If you were under a catastrophic plan, you’re automatically moved to a new plan with similar benefits once you’re 30.

Shop around! Use the Marketplace to figure out a plan that works for you, or check with an Insurance broker to help you search and explain all those annoying acronyms.

Another option is Medicaid! As of March 2019, 65.9 million people are covered under Medicaid. It provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. These programs pay for:

• hospital services
• doctor visits
• prescriptions
• nursing home care
• and other healthcare needs

To be eligible for New Jersey Medicaid, a person must:

• be a resident of New Jersey
• be a U.S. Citizen or qualified immigrant
• meet specific standards for financial income and resources

You can read more here on the NJ Department of Human Services website.

Have a full-time job? See what options your employer offers you. Most employers subsidize or even fully cover monthly premiums.

Here at NorthEast Insurance Services, we’re more than insurance. We protect what means the most to you and we’ve built our business on connecting with our clients. Knowing what to do when it comes to health insurance can help keep you safe and protected for the worst-case scenario. By clicking here, you can learn more about health insurance or get in contact with NorthEast Insurance Services at (732) 972-1771 ext. 1111.