About Insuring Your Health
KHN contributing columnist Michelle Andrews writes the series , which explores health care coverage and costs.
To contact Michelle with a question or comment, .
QUESTION:Â My son was taken off our policy at age 18 because he was in jail. Now, he is at home and our insurer says he cannot be added to our coverage because it was a “one-time deal.” Under the ACA, is this true? — Linda
MICHELLE ANDREWS: No, it’s not true. Your son can be added to your policy again and remain on it until he turns 26, unless he has an offer of health insurance coverage through his own job. In that case, he might have to take that coverage instead. But in most cases, young adult children can stay on their parents’ plan. Generally, health plans provide an open enrollment period every year when people can change their coverage or add dependents to their plan, and you should be able to do the same.