Quick answer
Yes, you can remove an adult child from your health plan; you aren’t required to keep them on until 26. The ACA only requires plans that cover dependents to let children stay until 26 if you choose. On a job-based plan, you can usually remove them at open enrollment or after a qualifying life event. On a marketplace plan, you can usually end a family member’s coverage by updating your application. Make sure your child has other coverage lined up first.
Key takeaways
- Plans must allow children to stay until 26, but parents can remove them earlier.
- Job-based plans usually allow changes only at open enrollment or after a qualifying event.
- A child who loses coverage from your plan gets a 60-day window to enroll in their own marketplace plan.
- Children’s Medicaid and CHIP usually end at 19; adult Medicaid depends on income and state.
- If you still claim your child as a dependent, their coverage and income count in your household for marketplace tax credits.
On this page
Why parents drop a child at 18
- To lower premiums, especially on a marketplace plan where each person adds to the cost.
- Because the child has coverage through a job, school or the military.
- Because the child qualifies for Medicaid or a cheaper plan of their own.
Adding a child to job-based family coverage often costs the same no matter how many children you have, so dropping one may not save money. See family health insurance.
How to remove a child from your plan
| Type of plan | When you can remove them |
|---|---|
| Job-based plan | Usually at open enrollment or after a qualifying event, like the child getting other coverage |
| Marketplace plan | Usually any time, by updating your application and ending their coverage |
| Plan bought directly from an insurer | Contact the insurer; rules vary |
Your child’s coverage options
- Stay on your plan until 26, which is often the cheapest choice. See how long you can stay on your parents’ health insurance.
- A job-based plan if their employer offers one.
- A marketplace plan, with a tax credit if they qualify. Losing coverage from your plan opens a 60-day special enrollment period.
- Medicaid, if their income is low enough in an expansion state.
- A student plan from their college. See health insurance for students.
- A catastrophic plan, available to people under 30.
Children’s Medicaid and CHIP generally end at 19, so teens on those programs need a new plan then. See health insurance for children. Young people who aged out of foster care can usually keep Medicaid until 26.
Tax households and tax credits
If you still claim your child as a tax dependent, they’re part of your household for marketplace purposes, and their coverage and income are counted with yours. If your child files their own taxes and isn’t claimed, they apply for coverage and tax credits on their own. See what Obamacare is for more on how tax credits work.
Compare plans for your young adult: see quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to keep my child on my insurance until 26?
No. Plans have to offer coverage until 26, but you can remove your child earlier.
Can I drop my child mid-year?
On a marketplace plan, usually yes. On a job-based plan, usually only after a qualifying event, like your child gaining other coverage.
Will my child be able to get their own insurance?
Yes. Losing coverage from your plan gives them 60 days to enroll in a marketplace plan, and they can apply for Medicaid at any time.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance or tax advice. Last reviewed September 2026.