How do I officially cancel my Covered California health plan if I get a new job with employer-sponsored insurance?

To cancel your Covered California plan, you must report your new job-based insurance online or by phone to terminate your coverage and subsidies. This prevents you from paying for two plans and having to repay tax credits. Here is how to officially cancel your Covered California plan: Step 1: Confirm Your New Plan's Start Date Before you do anything, get the exact start date of your new employer-sponsored health insurance. You will need this date to correctly time your Covered California plan's cancellation and avoid any gap in coverage. Step 2: Report the Change Online Log in to your account at www.coveredca.com. Once logged in, find the option to "Report a Change." Gaining other health coverage is a qualifying life event that you must report. Follow the prompts, indicating that you have gained access to other qualifying health coverage. Step 3: Select Your Coverage End Date You will be asked to select a termination date. To avoid paying for overlapping coverage, request to end your Covered California plan on the last day of the month before your new job-based plan begins. For example, if your new plan starts August 1, you should request a coverage end date of July 31. You must request this cancellation before the end of the month you wish to terminate. Step 4: Confirm and Submit the Termination Review your request to ensure the termination date is correct. Submit the change through the online portal. You should receive a confirmation notice or number. Save this for your records. Step 5: Follow Up A few days after submitting your request, log back into your account or check your mail for an official termination notice. Verify that your coverage status shows as "terminated" with the correct end date. If you receive a bill for the following month, contact Covered California immediately. Important Details and Nuances: The most important step is timing your cancellation correctly. Covered California cancellations are typically effective on the last day of the month. If you report the change late, you may be responsible for the next month's premium. Also, failing to report your new coverage will mean you continue receiving premium tax credits you are no longer eligible for, which you will have to repay when you file your federal income taxes. Warnings and Limitations: Do not simply stop paying your Covered California premium. This will result in cancellation for non-payment, which can negatively affect your account and create future billing problems. You must formally terminate your plan. This process applies to terminating coverage because you gained other insurance; rules for other situations may differ. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as disputes over billing or tax credit repayment, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.