How to Cancel Your Health Insurance Plan (ACA, Medicade or Medicare)

Introduction

Cancelling a health insurance plan can be necessary for various reasons, such as finding a better plan, moving to a different state, or changes in employment. This guide provides detailed steps on how to cancel ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare plans and highlights important considerations before making this decision.

Steps to Cancel an ACA Plan

If you have a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, follow these steps to cancel it:

1. Log into Your HealthCare.gov Account:
   • Visit HealthCare.gov and log into your account.
2. Select Your Current Application:
   • Go to the “My Applications & Coverage” section and select your current application.
3. End Coverage for Everyone or Just Some People on the Application:
   • You can choose to cancel coverage for the entire household or specific individuals.
4. Select the Termination Date:
   • You can set a future termination date or end coverage immediately.
5. Confirm and Submit:
   • Review your selections and submit your request. Make sure to keep a record of your cancellation for future reference.

Sources:

• HealthCare.gov – How to cancel a Marketplace plan

Steps to Cancel a Medicaid Plan

Cancelling Medicaid coverage involves contacting your state Medicaid office. Here are the general steps:

1. Contact Your State Medicaid Office:
   • Find the contact information for your state’s Medicaid office on Medicaid.gov.
2. Provide Necessary Information:
   • Be prepared to provide personal information such as your Medicaid ID, Social Security number, and reason for cancellation.
3. Follow the State-Specific Process:
   • Each state may have different procedures for cancelling Medicaid coverage. Follow the instructions provided by your state Medicaid office.

Sources:

• Medicaid.gov – Contact Your State With Questions

Steps to Cancel a Medicare Plan

Cancelling a Medicare plan varies depending on the part of Medicare you want to cancel (Part A, Part B, Part C, or Part D). Here are the steps for each:

Cancelling Medicare Part A or Part B

1. Contact Social Security:
   • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
2. Submit a Form:
   • You may need to complete a form (CMS 1763) to voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part A or Part B coverage.
3. Follow Instructions:
   • Follow the instructions provided by the Social Security representative.

Cancelling Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

1. Contact Your Plan Provider:
   • Call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage or Part D card.
2. Request to Disenroll:
   • Inform them that you wish to disenroll from the plan. They will guide you through the process.
3. Disenrollment Periods:
   • Be aware of disenrollment periods such as the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).

Sources:

• Medicare.gov – How to drop your Medicare drug plan

Considerations Before Cancelling Your Plan

Before cancelling your health insurance plan, consider the following:

1. Gaps in Coverage:
   • Ensure you have a new plan in place to avoid gaps in coverage, which can lead to high out-of-pocket costs for medical services.
2. Special Enrollment Periods:
   • Understand if cancelling your plan qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a new plan outside the standard open enrollment periods.
3. Impact on Subsidies:
   • If you are receiving subsidies or premium tax credits, cancelling your plan may affect your eligibility for financial assistance.

Sources:

• HealthCare.gov – Special Enrollment Periods for complex issues

Special Enrollment Periods After Cancellation

Cancelling your health insurance plan may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs allow you to enroll in a new plan outside the annual Open Enrollment Period if you experience certain life events, such as:

• Losing other health coverage
• Moving to a new residence
• Changes in household size (e.g., marriage, birth of a child)
• Changes in income that affect your eligibility for subsidies

Sources:

• HealthCare.gov – Special Enrollment Periods

Conclusion

Cancelling your health insurance plan involves several steps and considerations to ensure you remain covered and avoid potential gaps in coverage. Whether you are cancelling an ACA, Medicaid, or Medicare plan, understanding the process and implications is crucial. For personalized assistance and to learn more about your options, give us a call at 833-942-3776 or visit our contact page. We are available 6am-4pm PST every weekday and are ready to help.

Contact Us

For any questions or assistance in cancelling your health insurance plan and finding a new one, you can give us a call at 833-942-3776. Alternatively, visit our contact page. We are available 6am-4pm PST every weekday and are ready to help.