Getting Insured While You're Young
The recent troubles with the U.S. economy have been hard on young people, particularly new professionals and recent college graduates looking to get started in their desired careers. Limited job opportunities and an increased cost of living and other factors are just a few of the reasons for these difficulties.
If you're uninsured, you'll want to aim to extricate yourself from that predicament as soon as you possibly can. There are more than a few advantages to obtaining healthcare coverage while you're young, some of which might not be available when you get older, and health insurance becomes even more necessary.
Some states, like Massachusetts, require all residents to have some form of health insurance in order to avoid negative consequences, such as additional taxes. As a result, young people living in these states may be eligible for various government-administered healthcare plans, if they meet certain eligibility requirements pertaining to yearly income.
If you are having trouble finding a job, this might be just what you need to make sure you stay covered until you gain employment that offers health benefits. However, if you're insured through your parents and under 26, this issue doesn't even apply to you - you can stay on it until you reach that age.
Those who don't fit into any of the above categories might still be able to find reasonably priced insurance. In order to court future long-standing customers, certain coverage providers will offer introductory rates that can be locked in if you get them when you're younger. If in your research you find an insurance company providing such an option, it might be in your best interest to take it while you can.
If you're an uninsured young person, how important do you rate healthcare on your list of priorities?
