Health Insurance After Graduation

Will you be covered after graduation

With graduation approaching, now is the time to start thinking about your health insurance coverage.

As a young adult, you have choices:

  • stay on your parent’s health plan
  • buy your own plan
  • get coverage through a new job

If you decide to get your own insurance, you’ll find lots of choices at NY State of Health. There are many plans at different coverage levels and all plans cover health services such as yearly check-ups, flu shots, emergency services and prescription drugs. You may be surprised how affordable getting coverage can be. Some plans will cost less than your monthly cell phone bill and for some people, depending on income, coverage will be free.

Even though Open Enrollment has ended, you may still be able to enroll in coverage this year if you qualify for free coverage, or if you enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event. Qualifying Life Events include:

  • no longer being eligible to stay on your parent’s health insurance
  • loss of other health insurance
  • a permanent move to another part of New York State
  • getting married
  • having a child

To learn more, please visit http://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Have additional questions or ready to enroll? NY State of Health has lots of trained experts who will guide you step by step in selecting and signing up for a plan that’s right for you. To find an assistor in your community, go to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/agent/hx_brokerSearch or call 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1.800.662.1220.

Videos regarding health insurance and enrollments periods are available on the left.