YOU ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR KIDS. NOW, BE SURE THEY PROTECT THEMSELVES.
If your child is turning 26, it's time for them to get their own health coverage.
Why does your 26-year-old need their own plan?
Your child can only remain on your health plan until they turn 26.
When do they need to apply for coverage?
They will need to apply for their own coverage within 60 days of the date they are cancelled from your health plan. Before they apply, check to see if they qualify for federal financial subsidies that can help lower their monthly premium.
Why choose Blue Shield?
Our Individual and Family plans are designed to be budget-friendly and offer:
- The only statewide PPO network with 60,000+ doctors to choose from
- HMO plans that typically cost less than a PPO
- Flexible plans that can be cancelled at any time if your situation changes
Learn about Special Enrollment, and how you may qualify for subsidies that can lower the cost of coverage!
Watch this video to learn more!
Looking for dental, vision, and life insurance coverage?
Good health includes your dental and vision health, too. We’ve got you covered with a variety of dental and vision plans, as well as individual life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage*.
Learn more about health insurance
How does health insurance work?
A health insurance policy determines the types of medical services or benefits you are covered for, which doctors you can see, and what hospitals you can visit. Your plan also determines what you pay for care and services.
After purchasing a health plan, you can then visit a doctor or hospital in the Blue Shield of California network. A network is a group of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers that work with a health plan like Blue Shield. That means you only have to pay a certain amount for healthcare services instead of the full cost. By using in-network doctors and hospitals, you can keep your costs lower.
Health insurance is for preventive and event-based care – meaning you don’t have to wait until you’re sick to see a doctor. Preventive services like annual exams and flu shots are available to you at no additional cost.
Coinsurance
A fixed percentage of the cost of your services that you’re responsible for. This is usually after you’ve met your deductible.
Copayment
A fixed amount you pay for benefits such as doctor’s visits or any wellness services. This is usually after you’ve met your deductible if your plan has one.
Deductible
The amount you pay each calendar year for most benefits before Blue Shield begins to pay. Some benefits, such as preventive care, are covered before you meet your deductible.
HMO
A health plan where you choose a primary care physician (PCP) who treats you regularly. This includes preventive visits and referrals to specialists. You’ll need to see only other doctors or specialists in your PCP’s medical group. There is no coverage for services received from doctors who are outside your PCP’s network.
Network
A group of providers – including hospitals, doctors, specialists and other healthcare providers – that have agreed with Blue Shield to provide benefits for a specified amount.
Out-of-pocket maximum
The most you are required to pay in combined deductible, copayment, and coinsurance amounts for all of the covered services each year.
PPO
A health plan in which members can choose to see any provider in the PPO provider network without a referral. Members also have the freedom to use non-network providers for most services if they are willing to pay a higher share of the cost.
