Medical insurance gurus....help needed for my sister

[saywhatnow]

So my little sister is graduating with her masters in a few weeks. Her school-sponsored medical insurance goes until August 15. She starts her new job in September (not sure of exact start date) but she'll need medical insurance for about 3 months before her employers insurance kicks in. She has no medical conditions and is young (24) and healthy...no expected appointments needed in that 3 months. Where is the best place for her to look for this?

[Deleted]

healthcare.gov

[rubytue]

At 24, she is eligible to be on parental plans, right? I think that goes to 26 now. Is it an option to pop her on your parents plan for 3 months? Her losing insurance would be a qualifying event, and then that would take everyone through to the typical open season season.

Or healthcare.gov.

[keweenawlove]

Can she do COBRA? That was my plan when I graduated before I got an offer to stay on.

[tealblue]

I would see if she can get on a parents plan. She is likely eligible until she's 26 or 27.

[saywhatnow]

Thanks all! Good info to share with her/my parents.

[Deleted]

Your parents' plan may not be the best for her for a multitude of reasons. First of all, if your parents are on separate plans, like they each have coverage from their own employers, and one/both have an HSA-compatible plan, by your sister going on it, they would incur the family, as opposed to the self-only, deductible if they or your sister had a medical event in the time she is on the plan.
Also, with the ACA, individuals over age 21 are charged a higher price than dependents under age 21. Employers are not required to subsidize dependent premiums, and if you parent(s) have an expensive plan, your sister can likely get something cheaper on her own.
Also, due to her likely low/moderate income, she will probably qualify for a health insurance subsidy, making the healthcare exchange the most cost-effective option.