Insurance After You Graduate
Congratulations ... you're graduating from UMass Amherst! It's an exciting, busy time, with lots to think about and even more to do.
If you're planning to stay in Massachusetts after graduation, add "get health insurance" to your 'to-do' list. It's required by law, and the tax penalties for not doing it add up quickly.
What to do
A lot depends on your current health insurance plan (Massachusetts also requires that all college students have one). If you:
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will be starting a job that offers insurance:
You'll transition to your employer's plan.
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are on your parents' plan:
Some insurers allow your parents to keep you on their plan for two years after you're no longer considered a dependent, or until you reach 26, whichever comes first. Ask your parents whether this is an option for you.
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don't have a job yet, or have one that doesn't offer insurance:
The Massachusetts Health Connector Young Adult Plans are for you. Health Connector is a state agency that helps Massachusetts residents find health insurance coverage. The Young Adult Plans it offers are only available to people between 18 and 26 who don't have access to employer-sponsored insurance. 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 Health Connector, weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1-877-MA-ENROLL.
Download the Health Connector flyer.
Don't wait!
You can't be without health insurance for more than 63 consecutive days in a calendar year. Otherwise, you'll accrue a tax penalty for each month you're uninsured.
