Health care and coverage when you are on your own

Where coverage comes from

• A parent's plan, until age 26 if the plan covers dependents.
• An employer, usually with the employer paying part of the premium. You enroll when you are hired and then during the yearly open enrollment.
• The Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or your state's exchange, where premium tax credits can lower the cost based on income.
• Medicaid or CHIP, depending on your state and income.
• A student health plan, if you are enrolled in school.

Before a birthday, graduation or job change ends one source, line up the next. Losing coverage usually opens a Special Enrollment window, but it is limited in time.

How a bill actually works

Using care wisely

Find a primary care provider in your network and book a routine visit while you are healthy; it is easier to get seen later when you are an existing patient. For minor injuries and illnesses outside office hours, urgent care is usually far cheaper than an emergency room. For anything that could be life-threatening, such as chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke, go to the ER or call 911.

Medical bills

Wait for the Explanation of Benefits from your insurer and compare it with the provider's bill before paying. Ask for an itemized bill, question duplicate charges and ask about financial assistance; many hospitals have assistance policies. The CFPB explains what financial help may be available if medical bills become hard to pay.

Keep a simple health file

Store your insurance card, a list of medications and allergies, your providers' contact details and your vaccination record in one place you can reach from your phone.