At this point in your life, you may still receive health insurance coverage through your parents’ plan. The Affordable Care Act allows you to stay on this plan as a dependent until you are 26, and if your parent receives coverage through an employer in Pennsylvania, you may be able to stay on until you’re 29.

It is important that you understand your health insurance options early so that you’re ready to make a decision when the time comes. Even though you may be able to stay on your parents’ plan, it might not be the best choice for your health and your needs. If you move to a new city or state, you might find yourself beyond your plan’s provider network, which can lead to additional costs if you seek care.

Make sure you fully research care options in your area when deciding to maintain or change your health insurance coverage. If you decide to stay on a parent’s plan, you may find that it is more expensive for them to keep you covered as a dependent than it would be for you to obtain your own plan, or if you move out, their provider network does not extend to the area in which you reside. In cases such as those, obtaining coverage through an employer or purchasing your own plan might be your best option.

Commissioner Miller recently issued a letter to college students that explains an important out-of-classroom lesson: How to make smart decisions on your health insurance. For more information on how to shop for health insurance, check out our video or printable shopper’s guide. The video is also available en Español.