Insurance After Graduation

Graduating from college is an exciting, busy time, with lots to think about and even more to do. Making sure you have health insurance should be near the top of your list.

What to do

A lot depends on your current health insurance plan (Massachusetts requires all full-time college students to have one). If you...

  • Will be starting a job that offers insurance, you'll transition to your employer's plan. 
     
  • Are on your parents' plan: Under the Affordable Care Act, most young adults can stay on their parent’s family plan until they turn 26. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married, living with your parents, in school, or financially independent. For more information on how to stay insured, call the customer service number for your parents’ insurer and explain your situation. Learn more about the Affordable Care Act.
     
  • Had coverage through the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP): SHBP coverage terminates at the end of the semester in which you graduate.

    For example, if you graduate during the fall semester, your coverage will terminate on or about Jan. 31 of the current academic year you're in. If you graduate in May, coverage will terminate on July 31 of that year. COBRA benefits are not offered to students who lose their coverage, regardless of the way the loss occurs. Generally, loss of coverage triggers a "qualifying life status event," which opens a window of opportunity to enroll back onto your parents' plan or into another plan of your choosing. 
     
  • Need to obtain insurance on your own, the Massachusetts Health Connector is a state agency that helps Massachusetts residents find health insurance coverage. Plans are easy to get and you can cancel if you get a job with health benefits. Click the link above to shop, compare and enroll. Or, call the Health Connector, 1-877-MA-ENROLL, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.