Federal law sets 26 as the usual cutoff for staying on a parent’s health insurance, but several states allow extended coverage when certain eligibility rules are met.

These high costs are taking a huge bite out of family budgets. Median household income in the U.S. was $83,730 in 2024, per the Census Bureau, meaning health insurance coverage for a family could represent an enormous chunk of pre-tax income for the household.

While Congress debates bringing back Affordable Care Act subsidies, many Americans have already made life-altering decisions to afford health care.

Learn how health insurance covers preexisting conditions under the Affordable Care Act, ensuring you get necessary coverage without higher premiums.