How to Cancel Your Health Insurance Plan

Canceling Coverage for Some People on Your Plan

If you need to end coverage for only some individuals listed on your Marketplace plan, follow these steps:

  • Log in to Your Marketplace Account: Go to the Health Insurance Marketplace website and log in using your credentials.
  • Navigate to Your Plan Information: Find the section where your current health insurance plan is listed, usually under “My Plans” or “My Applications” or a similar heading.
  • Select “Update application” or “Report a life change”: Continue through the prompts.
  • Choose the Individuals to Remove: For each person you’re ending coverage for, select “Edit” and change status to “Doesn’t need coverage.”
  • Follow the Prompts: The Marketplace will guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your decision and sign and submit. You may need to provide the reason for canceling and select the end date.
  • Receive Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message or email. Keep this for your records.
  • Call if You Need Help: You can also contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

Canceling Coverage for Everyone on Your Plan

If you need to cancel coverage for all individuals listed on your plan, the process is similar but with a few key differences:

  • Log in to Your Marketplace Account: Access your account on the Health Insurance Marketplace website.
  • Navigate to Your Plan Information: Find the section where your current health insurance plan is listed under “My Plans & Programs.”
  • Select the Option to End Coverage: Look for the option to end or terminate all coverage.
  • Pick the date you want coverage to end: You can choose the current day or a day in the future.
  • Follow the Prompts: The Marketplace will guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your decision. You may need to provide the reason for terminating coverage.
  • Receive Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message or email. Keep this for your records.
  • Call if You Need Help: You can also contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.

Required Documentation for Cancellation

To cancel your Marketplace health insurance plan, you may need to provide certain documentation, especially if you are ending coverage due to a qualifying life event. Common required documents include:

  • Proof of New Coverage: If you are switching to a new health insurance plan, provide documentation such as an insurance card or a letter from your new insurer.
  • Proof of Employment: If you are obtaining coverage through an employer, provide a letter from your employer or a copy of your employment contract.
  • Proof of Income Changes: If your income has changed significantly, provide tax documents or pay stubs.
  • Proof of Address Change: If you are moving to a new location, provide a utility bill or lease agreement.

Cancellation Timelines to Keep in Mind

Understanding the timelines for canceling your Marketplace plan is crucial to avoid any gaps in coverage. Here are some important dates to remember:

  • Specific End Dates: If you are canceling coverage, the end date might be the end of the month, or it may be a date that you select. Make sure you don’t end your Marketplace plan before your new plan begins to avoid gaps in coverage.
  • Special Enrollment Period: If you are losing coverage due to a qualifying life event, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period to sign up for a new plan outside of the regular open enrollment period.
  • Open Enrollment Period: If you are not losing coverage due to a qualifying event, the next time you can enroll in Marketplace health insurance is typically from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15 each year, but it may differ in some states.

Details to Consider Before Canceling All Coverage

Before you decide to cancel your Marketplace health insurance plan for everyone, consider the following details:

  • Alternative Coverage: Ensure you have a viable alternative health insurance plan in place should you unexpectedly need healthcare. This could be through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or another source.
  • Qualifying Life Events: If you are experiencing a significant life change, such as a job loss or marriage, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. Check the Marketplace website for details.
  • Healthcare Needs: Consider any ongoing medical treatments or conditions that require consistent coverage. Make sure your new plan will cover these needs.
  • Financial Impact: Evaluate the financial implications of canceling your current plan. This includes any potential penalties or changes in premium costs with your new coverage.
  • Provider Network: Verify that your healthcare providers are included in the network of your new insurance plan to avoid out-of-network costs.
  • Ending Coverage: Ensure you officially end coverage through your healthcare.gov account or through your plan provider as opposed to simply stopping your premium payments.

Do you need an affordable health insurance plan that fits your needs and budget? Shop our plans today, or call our helpful team at 844-933-0380 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

 

Questions About How to Cancel a Health Insurance Plan

There is no need to terminate your current plan if you switch to a new one during open enrollment. The process of changing plans will trigger the termination of your current coverage when your new coverage begins.

Start by looking at the premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums for both plans. Job-based insurance often has lower premiums because your employer may contribute to the cost, but it's crucial to consider the total cost, including what you'll pay for deductibles and other expenses. Additionally, evaluate the network of healthcare providers and facilities covered by each plan.

Check if your job-based plan covers essential services like prescription drugs, mental health care, and preventive care, and compare these to what the marketplace plan offers. Some Marketplace plans may provide more comprehensive coverage or additional benefits, such as vision and dental, which could be valuable depending on your needs. Weighing these factors will help you make an informed decision that best suits your health and financial needs.

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