Young Adults

Three Great Reasons to Have Health Insurance

Protect your wallet from the "what ifs" in life – anyone can get sick and have an accident, and health care is expensive! You could qualify for insurance for less than $1 a day.
Stay healthy and on your game! Wellness care like check-ups and other screenings is free thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket. Health insurance can protect you from receiving large medical bills from a hospital or other provider.

If you are coming off your parent’s health insurance and need your own, there are health insurance options available for you.

Medicaid: Free or very low cost insurance for New Yorkers with low income.
- Foster Care: If you were in foster care, you may be eligible for Medicaid until age 26, no matter how much income you earn. Call the Human Resources Administration (HRA) Helpline at 888-692-6116 for more information or visit a Medicaid Office to apply.
- DACAmented: If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status and low income, you can qualify for Medicaid!
- Pregnant New Yorkers: If you are pregnant and undocumented, you can qualify for Medicaid as long as you meet other requirements.
Essential Plan: Free or very low cost insurance for adults with low income who don't qualify for Medicaid.
Child Health Plus: Affordable health insurance for New Yorkers under 19, regardless of income or immigration status.
Private/Qualified Health Plans: Insurance plans on the NY State of Health Marketplace (financial help is available) and directly from insurance companies. You can get a cheaper, "catastrophic" plan with limited benefits if you are under 30.
Family Planning Benefit Program: Free and confidential family planning services for adults and teens who qualify.

You can stay on a parent's employer health insurance plan until age 26, even if you:
- Are married
- Are in school or not
- Living or not living with your parents
- Are no longer claimed as a dependent for taxes
- Have or adopt a child
- have access to employer coverage
Some people can stay on a parent's plan until age 30. Learn more about the "Age 29" law.
Contact your college or university to see if they offer health insurance.
If you can't get insurance, learn about your options for low-cost health care.

You can get free, in-person help to understand your options and apply from someone in your community.

Young Invincibles: Advocacy group focused on issues like health care and jobs for millennials
NY State of Health Marketplace for Individuals/Families
ACCESS NYC: Website that helps you find out which City, State and Federal health and human service benefit programs might be right for you.