How to Cancel Covered California Plan in 2 Minutes
Covered California is health insurance marketplace for Californians. This article outlines the process to cancel Covered California.
What is Covered California?
The California Health Benefit Exchange, now known as Covered California, was established in September 2010. It’s a free service that connects Californians with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. It’s the only place offering financial help to buy plans from major companies, which means you may qualify for discounted insurance or Medi-Cal coverage. The result is great health insurance. CoveredCA.com is run by California state agencies to help residents get the right care and coverage.
Pricing Plans and Potential Savings
The tiers and potential savings are outlined below:
| Plan Level | Typical Premium Cost | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Highest premiums | Lower out-of-pocket costs |
| Gold | Higher premiums | Lower out-of-pocket costs |
| Silver | Lower premiums | Higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Bronze | Lowest premiums | Higher out-of-pocket costs |
Cancellation Process
If a Covered California member wishes to cancel their health insurance plan, there are a few options available:
- Call the Covered California Service Center at (800) 300-1506. A representative will process the cancellation request over the phone.
- Contact via live chat and request for cancellation.
- Contact the insurance company directly to cancel coverage and stop automatic payments if enrolled in an insurance company plan through Covered California.
Things to Consider Before Cancellation
There are a few important considerations to keep in mind prior to cancelling Covered California health coverage:
- There are only certain times during the year when plan changes can be made unless a special enrollment period applies due to qualifying life events.
- Review new health plan options first during open enrollment periods before cancelling.
- Consider catastrophic coverage plans if cost is an issue but some type of coverage is still desired.
In summary, Covered California gives Californians access to affordable quality health insurance but cancellation should be considered carefully and terms reviewed to avoid gaps in coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Covered California health plan at any time?
No, in most cases you can only cancel during the annual open enrollment period or if you experience a qualifying life event outside those dates. Examples include losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby or adopting a child.
How do I cancel my Covered California account online?
Unfortunately Covered California does not allow online cancellations at this time. You need to call Covered California directly at 1-800-300-1506 to cancel coverage over the phone.
How long does it take to cancel Covered California?
It takes at least 14 days for a Covered California cancellation to take effect once submitted. Timing depends on factors like date of request, billing cycles, and type of health plan purchased.
