How to Cancel Kaiser Permanente in 2026 (Transfer Records + Find New Doctors)

Kaiser Permanente is an integrated health system — insurer, hospitals, and doctors are all one company. Leaving Kaiser means losing your doctors AND changing insurers simultaneously. Here's how to handle the transition.

Kaiser Regions (Cancellation Process Varies)

Kaiser operates in 8 states + DC. Your specific Kaiser entity determines the process:

• Northern California: 1-800-464-4000
• Southern California: 1-800-464-4000
• Colorado: 1-800-632-9700
• Georgia: 1-888-865-5813
• Hawaii: 1-808-432-5955
• Mid-Atlantic (MD/VA/DC): 1-800-777-7902
• Northwest (OR/WA): 1-800-813-2000
• Washington: 1-888-901-4636

Step 1: Export Your Medical Records

This is critical because Kaiser's system is closed:

1. Log in to kp.org
2. Go to Health Records → Medical Record Request
3. Request: complete medical history, lab results, imaging reports, medication history, immunization records
4. Download your records in PDF or use the Blue Button feature for structured data
5. Request records be sent directly to your new doctor (provide their fax/address)
6. Kaiser has 30 days to comply (HIPAA requirement)

Step 2: Find New Doctors FIRST

• Primary care: Book with a new PCP 4-6 weeks before leaving Kaiser (new patient appointments have wait times)
• Specialists: If you see any Kaiser specialists, find out-of-Kaiser equivalents and get referrals set up
• Mental health: If in therapy at Kaiser, transition to a private therapist — continuity of care matters
• Prescriptions: Ask your Kaiser doctor to write prescriptions that you can fill at any external pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) — Kaiser prescriptions are typically filled at Kaiser pharmacies only

Step 3: Cancel Your Kaiser Plan

Employer plan:

• Contact your HR department during open enrollment or with a QLE
• If your employer only offers Kaiser, you may need to waive coverage and get individual insurance

Marketplace plan:

1. Cancel through healthcare.gov or your state marketplace (Covered California, etc.)
2. Or call your Kaiser region's member services number
3. Request end-of-month effective date

Individual plan (direct enrollment):

• Call your region's Kaiser number above
• Or visit a Kaiser member services center in person

Why People Leave Kaiser

• Geographic restrictions: Kaiser only works where Kaiser facilities exist. Move to a non-Kaiser area and you're stuck.
• No choice of provider: You see whoever Kaiser assigns. Can't choose an external specialist.
• Mental health access: Frequent lawsuits about long wait times for therapy appointments (some report 6-8 week waits)
• Travel limitations: Emergency care is covered everywhere, but planned care requires Kaiser facilities or prior authorization
• Pharmacy lock-in: Most prescriptions must be filled at Kaiser pharmacies

Why People Stay With Kaiser

• Lower premiums: Kaiser is often 10-20% cheaper than comparable PPO plans
• No surprise billing: Everything is in-system. No out-of-network surprises.
• Integrated records: Your PCP, specialists, lab, pharmacy, and hospital all share one system
• Preventive care focus: Kaiser members have better health outcomes on several metrics
• Simple billing: One copay, one system. No separate bills from hospitals, doctors, and labs.

Alternatives to Kaiser

• PPO plan (any insurer): More doctor choice, but higher premiums and potential surprise bills
• Oscar Health: Tech-forward like Kaiser but with PPO-style networks
• BCBS: Broadest networks nationally
• Healthcare.gov: Compare all options with subsidy calculator