When you’re in your 20s, health insurance might not seem like a top priority. You’re young, likely healthy, and may feel like medical coverage is something you won’t need until later in life. But the truth is, having health insurance in your 20s is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and your financial future.
The Unexpected Can Happen at Any Age
Many people in their 20s believe that health insurance is only necessary for those with chronic conditions or frequent medical needs. While it’s true that younger adults tend to have fewer health issues, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen to anyone. A broken bone, an emergency room visit, or even a diagnosis like appendicitis or pneumonia can lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills.
According to recent data from Healthcare.gov, a three-day hospital stay can cost around $30,000 without insurance. Even more routine care, such as treatment for a sinus infection or an urgent care visit for a sprain, can quickly become costly. Health insurance protects you from these high, unexpected expenses, ensuring you won’t have to choose between your health and finances.
Health Insurance Encourages Preventive Care
One key benefit of having health insurance is access to preventive care services — routine checkups, immunizations, mental health counseling, screenings, and more. These services are designed to catch potential health problems early, when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
Most plans, including those offered through Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, cover many preventive services at no additional cost. This means you can stay on top of your health without worrying about copays or deductibles for annual physicals, cholesterol checks and flu shots.
Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding illness; it’s also about building a relationship with a primary care doctor who can guide you through your health journey, answer your questions, and help you set long-term wellness goals.
Financial Protection and Peace of Mind
In addition to helping you avoid enormous out-of-pocket costs, health insurance provides peace of mind. Knowing that you have coverage if something goes wrong can reduce stress and allow you to focus on your career, education, relationships and personal growth.
Insurance also gives you access to negotiated rates with providers, typically much lower than you would pay without coverage. And if you develop a medical condition requiring ongoing care, insurance ensures you can receive that care without going into debt.
Turning 26? It’s Time to Plan Ahead
Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until they turn 26. This policy has allowed many people in their early 20s to maintain coverage during college, internships or while getting started in the workforce.
However, when you turn 26, you’re generally required to get your own health insurance. For employer-sponsored plans, your coverage may end on the last day of your birth month. For ACA Marketplace plans, you typically stay covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26.
Losing coverage due to aging out of a parent’s plan qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. This gives you 60 days before and after your 26th birthday to enroll in a new health plan without waiting for the regular Open Enrollment period. If you miss this window, you may be without coverage until the next enrollment period, putting you at risk for both medical and financial issues.
What Are Your Options?
When it’s time to get your own plan, you have several options:
- Employer-sponsored insurance: If you work full-time, your employer may offer health coverage.
- Arkansas Blue Cross plans: We offer individual and family plans that provide comprehensive coverage and access to a large network of doctors and hospitals.
- Marketplace coverage: You can shop for plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. Depending on your income, you may qualify for subsidies that make coverage more affordable.
- Medicaid: In Arkansas, Medicaid may be available if your income falls within certain limits.
- Student health plans: If you’re enrolled in a college or university, you may have access to campus-based coverage.
- Partner or spouse coverage: If you’re married or in a domestic partnership, you may be eligible for coverage under your partner’s plan.
Taking Charge of Your Health Early
Getting health insurance in your 20s may not feel urgent, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. It allows you to take control of your health, start building positive habits, and protect yourself from the unknown. More importantly, it sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellness.
If you’re approaching your 26th birthday or just want to explore your options, Arkansas Blue Cross is here to help. We are committed to helping you get the InsideTrack to a plan that fits your needs. To learn about your options, you can speak with our team by calling 800-392-2583, visiting our member portal or scheduling an appointment at your nearest ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.