Kaiser Permanente Individual and Family members choose to change plans for various reasons. Perhaps you want to lower your monthly premium. You may wish to increase coverage or get a plan with certain benefits not provided with your current medical insurance coverage. Or, you may want a plan that is HSA-qualified, so you can open a Health Savings Account and benefit from the tax advantages. Whatever your reason for changing plans, you will find instructions for making a switch in health insurance coverage below. The procedures you will follow will depend on two factors:

1. Are you upgrading or downgrading plans?
2. How long has it been since your coverage began?

If it’s been 30 days or less since your effective date, follow the directions in Section A. If it’s been 31 days or more since your effective date, follow the directions in Section B. 

Section A: 30 Days or Less from Your Effective Date

A new insured can still switch plans (up or down) within the first 30 days of their effective date without reapplying.  To switch, fax a letter to Kaiser Permanente. Include your name, date of birth, signature and information regarding the plan to which you want to change. Use the appropriate fax number below:

• If you are in Southern California, fax to: 1-858-614-3345
• If you are in Northern California, fax to: 1-858-614-3344

Section B: 31 Days or More from Your Effective Date

Download the Plan Change Form for instructions on how to determine whether the change you wish to make is a downgrade or an upgrade. Then, follow the instructions below:

• If You Are Downgrading Plans: To downgrade after the first 30 days, the insured must complete the Plan Change form. Use the link above to download this form.
• If You Are Upgrading Plans: To upgrade after the first 30 days, the insured must reapply. Do not cancel your current coverage. If your new application is approved, you will be switched to the new plan. If it is denied, you may keep your current plan.