Why are people only allowed to leech off of their parents' health insurance until age 26?

Come on, twenty-six?! It will take me at least until the age of forty-two to get a job and pay for my own health insurance!
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A lot of people are in school at the age of 26. Perhaps you would benefit going to some type of school. Health insurance will not be that expensive. So, if you can't afford health insurance when your 42, you will be exempt from any fine because you wouldn't be making enough. If you make below poverty level in income you will be exempt from any penalties. The penalty is only for the people who can afford it but wish not to buy it if their employer doesn't provide the insurance. .
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