Turning 26?Your Parents' Insurance Is Ending.

Usually the simplest option. Employer typically pays 70–80% of the premium — your share: ~$50–$200/month for individual coverage. Aging off parents' plan is a qualifying event, so you can enroll outside Open Enrollment (usually 30-day window through HR). Check before enrolling: Is your therapist or doctor in-network? Are your prescriptions on the formulary? What's the deductible ($500–$3,000 typical)? Compare to ACA: If your income is under $36,450, an ACA Silver with CSR might actually cost less with a lower deductible. A broker compares both in one call.

ACA Marketplace with subsidies. At $25K: Silver with CSR ~$50–$100/month, deductible drops to ~$500–$1,500, copays $10–$25. At $35K: Silver ~$100–$200/month. At $45K: Silver or Gold ~$200–$300/month, Gold deductible $1,000–$2,500. Mental health coverage: All ACA plans cover therapy, psychiatry, and substance abuse treatment — it's one of the 10 essential health benefits required by law. Verify your specific therapist is in-network before enrolling. 60-day SEP: You have 60 days from losing parents' coverage to enroll. Enroll by the 15th = coverage starts 1st of next month. Miss 60 days = wait until Open Enrollment (November 1 – January 15).

Income varies? ACA subsidies adjust. At $20,783–$30,000 net: Silver with CSR ~$50–$100/month. Variable income is normal — project your best annual estimate. If income shifts by $5,000+, update your Marketplace application mid-year to prevent a subsidy clawback at tax time. Self-employed tax deduction: If you're 1099 or freelance, you can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums above-the-line (no itemizing required). At 12% bracket: $100/month plan = $144/year savings. Don't buy junk plans: Short-term plans at $50/month don't cover pre-existing conditions, therapy, or prescriptions. Not ACA-compliant — dollar caps of $1,000–$5,000 that vanish in any real medical event.

NC Medicaid — $0 premium, comprehensive coverage. NC expanded Medicaid in December 2023. Income under ~$20,783 single / ~$42,972 family of 4 qualifies. Covers doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions, mental health, preventive care — minimal copays. Apply year-round at HealthCare.gov or NC DHHS. No waiting for Open Enrollment. Can be retroactive up to 3 months. If income increases later: You transition to an ACA plan with subsidies. A broker helps coordinate the switch so there's no gap.