In general, you can only change your health care coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which starts on November 1. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you experience a significant life event, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to change your plan outside of the designated timeframe. Additionally, changes in household size and income may also make you eligible for special enrollment. It is important to note that the deadline for open enrollment is January 15, and after this date, you will be unable to make changes to your plan for the rest of the year unless you have a qualifying event.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Open Enrollment Period | November 1 – January 15 |
Special Enrollment Period | Available for those who experience a qualifying life event, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or a household income change |
Account Change Form | Required to be filled out and submitted to change your Kaiser Permanente individual or family plan |
Proof of Qualifying Life Event Form | Required to be submitted along with the Account Change Form |
What You'll Learn
Deadlines for KP insurance changes
Annual Open Enrollment Period
KP members can change their health insurance plan during the Annual Open Enrollment Period. This period typically runs from November 1 to January 15, with selected plans taking effect on either January 1 or February 1, depending on when you enroll.
Special Enrollment Period
Outside of the Annual Open Enrollment Period, you can still change your KP insurance plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This period is triggered by specific life events, such as getting married, divorced, or having a baby. You usually have 60 days from the life event to enroll in a new plan, but it is recommended that you report the change as soon as possible.
Account Change
To change your Kaiser Permanente individual or family plan, you can fill out and submit an Account Change Form. You may also need to provide proof of your qualifying life event and fill out a Proof of Qualifying Life Event Form. These forms can be submitted by mail or phone.
Deadlines
The deadlines to get coverage for the year are:
- November 1: Open Enrollment starts.
- December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start on January 1.
- January 1: Coverage starts for those who enrolled in or changed health plans between November 1 and December 15 and paid their first premium.
- January 15: Open Enrollment ends. Last day to enroll in or change health plans for coverage to start on February 1.
- February 1: Coverage starts for those who enrolled in or changed health plans between December 16 and January 15 and paid their first premium.
If you miss the January 15 deadline, you won't be able to enroll in a Marketplace plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
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Qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period
In general, you can only change your health care coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which starts on November 1. However, if you experience a certain life event, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
Special enrollment periods are triggered by specific events, including:
- Getting married, divorced, or legally separated
- Giving birth or adopting
- Starting, ending, or losing a job
- Losing health insurance coverage
- A death in the family
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county
- Gaining or losing a dependent
- Permanent relocation
- A change in household income
If one of these events applies to you, you will usually have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll for health coverage or change your plan. In some cases, such as loss of coverage, you have 60 days before and 60 days after your qualifying life event to apply for coverage or change your plan.
To enroll or change plans during a special enrollment period, you must provide proof of your qualifying life event. The type of proof you need to supply depends on your qualifying life event.
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How to change your KP insurance plan
Open enrollment for Kaiser Permanente has ended for the year. In general, you can only change your health care coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which starts on November 1.
If you need to change your KP insurance plan, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if you have experienced a significant life event. This could include losing your health coverage, moving, getting married, having or adopting a baby, or if your household income has changed and is now below a certain amount. You usually have 60 days from the life event to enroll in a new plan, but you should report your change as soon as possible.
To change your KP insurance plan, you can fill out and submit an Account Change Form. You may also need to provide proof of your qualifying life event and fill out a Proof of Qualifying Life Event Form. You can also call 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711) to make your account change over the phone.
During the open enrollment period, you can shop around and compare plans by talking to your existing health insurance provider, your broker, or visiting your state's health insurance marketplace. You can also contact different health insurance providers directly.
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Cancelling your KP insurance plan
Cancelling your Kaiser Permanente (KP) insurance plan is a straightforward process, but it's important to understand the potential implications and timing restrictions before proceeding. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Understand the Timing:
KP insurance plans are typically changed or cancelled during specific periods:
- Annual Open Enrollment Period: This usually runs from November 1 to December 15 or January 15. It's the time when anyone can change or cancel their health insurance plan without restrictions.
- Special Enrollment Period: If you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or a significant change in income, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This allows you to make changes outside the Open Enrollment Period.
Explore Alternative Options:
Before cancelling your KP insurance plan, it's essential to explore alternative insurance providers to ensure you have continuous health coverage. Research and compare different insurance plans to find one that better suits your needs.
Initiate the Cancellation Process:
You can cancel your KP insurance plan in the following ways:
- Online: Log in to your KP account on their website, navigate to the "Membership Details" section, and cancel your coverage.
- By Phone: Call KP's Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711) or 1-800-443-0815 for Medicaid members. Ask to speak to an agent and request a cancellation of your coverage. They will guide you through the process and cancel your insurance immediately.
- Using a Cancellation Form: Download and fill out the cancellation form from the KP website. Include your personal information and the reason for cancellation. You can submit the completed form to your supervisor at work or send it to the local KP office.
Confirm the Cancellation:
After submitting your cancellation request, wait for confirmation from KP. They will typically send a written confirmation, but if you haven't received it, you can call KP's Member Services to verify the cancellation of your coverage.
Understand the Consequences:
Keep in mind that cancelling your KP insurance plan may result in a gap in your health coverage until your new plan takes effect. Ensure that you understand the financial and medical implications of being uninsured, even for a short period.
KP insurance changes outside of Open Enrollment
Generally, you can only change your KP health insurance coverage during the annual open enrollment period, which starts on November 1. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Outside of the open enrollment period, you may be able to change your KP insurance plan if you experience a "qualifying life event" that allows for benefits adjustments. Such events include:
- Loss of health coverage: If you were previously covered by your parents' or former spouse's healthcare plan and lost access to that insurance, you can obtain new insurance through a special enrollment period.
- Loss of eligibility for special programs: If you previously received government-based insurance assistance through Medicaid, Medicare, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and your status changes, causing you to lose eligibility, you can enroll in a new plan.
- Changes to family situations: Life changes such as getting married, adding a new baby or child to the family, divorce, the loss of a loved one, or turning 26 years old can all qualify you for a special enrollment period.
- Change of residence, job, or citizenship status: Moving to a new state or within a state outside of your current health plan's service area may qualify you for a special enrollment period. Additionally, losing your job, having your work hours reduced, or gaining citizenship status can also trigger a special enrollment opportunity.
- Income changes: If your household income increases or decreases, changing your eligibility for Marketplace subsidies, you may be able to adjust your insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period.
It's important to note that you typically have a limited time frame, often 30 to 60 days before or after your qualifying life event, to make changes to your insurance plan. Additionally, you will usually need to provide proof or documentation of your life event to qualify for a special enrollment period.
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Frequently asked questions
The deadline for changing KP insurance is January 15. This date marks the end of the Open Enrollment Period, which starts on November 1.
Yes, you can change your KP insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event. This includes events such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child.
To change your KP insurance plan, you can fill out and submit an Account Change Form. If applicable, you will also need to provide proof of your qualifying life event.