Why health insurance is important and what options you have

• Coverage through your student health plan – Many colleges offer student health plans. It can be an easy and affordable way to get basic coverage. Many times, it’s part of your tuition.
• Coverage under your parents’ plan – If your parents have insurance, you may be able to stay on their policy until you turn 26.
• If neither of these options apply to you, you can consider all of the same options in the 26 to 64 years old section.

• Medicaid – Medicaid helps low-income children, adults, and families get health care coverage. You can apply online, by mail, or in-person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS).
• Catastrophic plans – These plans provide coverage protecting you from major health issues. Because of the limited coverage, your monthly premium is lower and you have a higher deductible.
• Affordable Care Act plans – These plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace® and provide comprehensive coverage, including essential health benefits. You can compare options and apply online during Open Enrollment Period (OEP) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)¹.
• Blue Cross NC individual plans – Many of our plans offer coverage statewide and preventive services paid at 100%. You’ll have access to online tools to find doctors and compare health care costs.

As you approach 65, you become eligible for Medicare. This is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.

Medicare helps cover hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, but it's divided into different parts, each covering specific services. To learn about its various parts, eligibility, and enrollment options, check out these articles:

• What is Medicare?
• Medicare parts A, B, C, and D explained

If you work for an employer who offers health insurance as part of their benefits package, this may be your best option. The employer pays a portion of the expense for you.

You'll still pay a premium and may have copays or coinsurance. But these plans are attractive because the premiums come out of your paycheck before taxes.

We understand that life happens and situations change. In the health insurance industry, these important life changes are called qualifying life events. When you experience a qualifying life event, you become eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP). This allows you to sign up for coverage or update your current plan. It’s your chance to make necessary changes or to choose new or different coverage based on your needs.

Some qualifying life events include:

• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Losing other health coverage due to events like a job loss
• Moving permanently to a new state. (Note: Temporary moves or temporary changes in location, including long-term stays at hospitals, are not qualifying events.)
• Turning 26 and losing eligibility for coverage on a parent’s insurance plan

If you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, it’s important to shop for and choose new health insurance right away. Generally, an SEP is only available up to 60 days after the qualifying event. After that, you may not be able to add or update your health insurance coverage until the next OEP begins.

There are several ways for you to ask us questions so you feel confident in selecting the right plan for you.

Visit our Contact Us page to see your options on how to reach us, find an authorized agent or contact one of our Blue Cross NC Centers for a one-on-one discussion.