by Aidan Kang, CFA
Senior Writer
Insurance
UPDATED: October 13, 2022

If you're like most people, you probably have Kaiser insurance. Kaiser is a giant insurance company that provides coverage for millions of Americans. 

Now, maybe you want to change providers or you’re moving to a new employer. 

We’ve researched different methods from official and non-official sources and included tips to make the process faster. 

It’s crucial to know when to cancel your Kaiser Permanente insurance, so you don't have to keep paying the premiums when you can’t afford it anymore. 

The main concern is that if you terminate your insurance policy too soon without a replacement, you may face high out-of-pocket healthcare costs. 

Stick with us and we'll advise you when it's OK to cancel Kaiser membership and whether you'll be penalized.

Steps to cancel Kaiser Permanente insurance

If you're thinking of canceling your Kaiser health insurance policy, there are three ways you can do it:

By Mail or Employer

To complete the cancellation paperwork, you'll need to:

  1. Go to your Kaiser account and click on the “Cancel Insurance” button on the right-hand side of the page. Download the disenrollment form.
  1. Print and fill out all necessary information, which includes your name, phone contacts, Social Security Number, date of birth, dependents who may be affected by your cancellation, your address, required signatures, the date of request, and your reasons for cancellation.
  1. Return the completed form to your local Kaiser Permanente office (if you joined on your own) or through your employer (if you’re part of a group plan at your workplace).

You can also mail the signed form to:

Kaiser Permanente – Medicare Unit 

P.O. Box 232400 San Diego, CA 92193-2400

Or fax or email the form to:

FAX: 1-855-355-5334

EMAIL: [email protected]

  1. Wait until your policy is canceled, which usually takes effect the first day of the month after they received your request. Kaiser will send you a written confirmation.

Via Phone Call

You can cancel insurance coverage by calling an agent and requesting a health care plan termination directly.

You can call 711, Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or the following Member Services hotlines based on your location:

  • California: 1-800-443-0815
  • Mid-Atlantic States: 1-888-777-5536
  • Colorado: 1-800-476-2167
  • Northwest: 1-877-221-8221
  • Georgia: 1-800-232-4404
  • Washington: 1-888-901-4600
  • Hawaii: 1-800-805-2739

What Is Kaiser’s Cancellation Policy?

Enrolling in another Medicare Advantage plan will automatically end your coverage from Kaiser Permanente.

But if you want to switch to another health plan or the original Medicare, you must send a request for disenrollment through the methods above.

Kaiser insurance includes defined periods to either change or cancel your coverage. This period comprises annual enrollment periods (October 15 to December 7), open enrollment periods (January 1 to March 31), and special enrollment periods.

This means that you can only cancel your Kaiser insurance plan during these times. 

You can request a cancellation of your Kaiser insurance coverage in a special enrollment period if you have a “qualifying life event” as determined by Kaiser insurance. 

Kaiser doesn’t indicate any cancellation fee or penalty, but in general, you can cancel an insurance policy without any fees.

Another important thing to note is that you must continue getting your medical care from Kaiser or its network provider until the effective date of your cancellation.

If you haven’t received a confirmation yet, you can call Kaiser’s Member Services to verify your coverage.

Kaiser Insurance Alternatives

Be aware of the consequences of not renewing your policy. 

It’s important to get a new health plan that will take effect as soon as you end your membership with Kaiser.

Otherwise, if you leave yourself without insurance, you might face bigger medical expenses.

Here are some alternative insurance providers you can check out:

1. Canopy Health

Canopy Health consistent costs and accurate and up-to-date health information. This allows you to seek out the best possible care for your health, which can save you money in the long run.

2. Sutter Health

Sutter Health offers more than 200 ambulatory services. Its pricing is consistent and real-time for the outpatient services.

3. Health Net Federal Services

Health Net Federal Services believes in providing innovative and affordable healthcare plans to everyone. It offers a variety of plans for individuals and employer groups.

Conclusion

Canceling your Kaiser membership is easy and straightforward, provided that you request for disenrollment during the annual and open enrollment periods. You may also qualify for a special enrollment period depending on your reason for cancellation.

Remember to have a new health plan ready, so you have your health protection upon canceling your Kaiser insurance.