When you turn 26, you are no longer covered by your parents’ health insurance. Unfortunately, I turned 26 last year. That meant finding a health insurance plan that fit my budget.
Purchasing health insurance is complex. Insurance companies sell plans individually, making it difficult to compare prices and features. Thankfully, my state is one of the states that offers a health insurance marketplace. After much hesitation, I asked Covered California for an interview.
I pay $202.27 per month in health insurance premiums
You pay $202.27 per month for the Kaiser Minimum Coverage HMO plan. This is one of the cheapest options available. Kaiser’s, er, lack of notable coverage reflects that.
My deductible is a hefty $9,450 a year. In most cases, I pay in full until the $9,450 threshold is reached, after which Kaiser covers the bill.
I bought the plan in case something terrible happened. Even if you get into a car accident or are diagnosed with a serious illness, you won’t go bankrupt. But my insurance doesn’t cover much unless there’s an emergency. Like most plans, vaccinations are also covered.
(FYI: Health insurance is purchased separately from life insurance. It took me a while to understand that.)
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What is the appropriate amount of insurance for a 26 year old?
Generally speaking, younger Americans can get away with cheaper health insurance.
I rely on my health. I’m 26 years old and haven’t had any major illness in years. I probably won’t pay even close to my annual deductible for medical-related expenses. However, people who anticipate frequent doctor visits may want to purchase a plan with a lower deductible.
Another thing to consider is peace of mind. If you are stressed about paying large medical bills after an accident and can afford a more expensive plan, go for it. If your state offers a health insurance marketplace, try comparing prices side by side.
Another place to find health insurance is: healthcare.gov.
My plan does not include primary care visits
As for regular inspections, I take them on my own, at least until I pay my annual deductible, which is not possible. According to his 2024 study by Mira Research, the cost of primary care in my area (Los Angeles) is approximately $190 per visit, not including add-ons. The average cost for a physical exam is usually $199.
look. I’m all for treating your body like a temple. But paying him $200 for a simple test is a tough pill to swallow. In particular, planning can be a pain. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to traditional primary care visits.
Virtual visits are cheaper but have limitations
Costco members, please be careful! Costco went on strike again, offering its members cheaper medical services including a $29 virtual primary care visit and a $72 health check that includes a standard test panel and virtual follow-up. This is separate from Costco Pharmacy, which offers member discounts on prescriptions.
How Costco members can activate their healthcare benefits:
- Go to. sesame website.
- Create an account (or log in).
- Please make sure you are a Costco member.
Amazon Clinic offers virtual consultations and prescriptions for minor health issues like flu symptoms and allergies. Amazon Clinic’s messaging-based visits cost an average of $35, and video visits cost an average of $75, according to Amazon’s website. That being said, prices vary.
However, neither service is covered by health insurance, although you can use your insurance to cover your prescriptions. So it’s only worth paying if you have a high deductible, don’t have insurance, or are willing to pay for the convenience of a virtual visit.
I am comfortable with virtual care visits, but they are only for some people. Legitimate concerns include poor exam quality and technological tampering. It’s okay to keep your in-person appointments. However, if you are 26 years old and have health insurance, it may be worth considering a cheaper policy.
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