‘I still don’t have my MRI’: My health insurer canceled my plan without warning. Is that legal?
News Source
β’Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:01:00 GMT
π° What Happened
A MarketWatch reader says their health insurer ended their plan without warning. The reader was waiting for an MRI scan and still has not had it. They asked the paper's money advice column whether the company was allowed to do that.
The column looked at the reader's case and set out what the law says about a health plan being canceled.
π The Backstory
In the United States, a health insurer can end a plan, but it usually has to send a written notice first. The person then has the right to appeal the decision.
The rules differ for plans sold on the ACA marketplaces, plans from an employer and short-term plans. Anyone in this spot can ask their state insurance office for help.
π― Why It Matters
Health cover decides whether a person can afford a scan, a doctor or medicine. Knowing your notice and appeal rights can be the difference between getting care and facing a big bill.
A MarketWatch reader says their health insurer ended their plan without warning. The reader was waiting for an MRI scan and still has not had it. They asked the paper's money advice column whether the company was allowed to do that.
The column looked at the reader's case and set out what the law says about a health plan being canceled.
In the United States, a health insurer can end a plan, but it usually has to send a written notice first. The person then has the right to appeal the decision.
The rules differ for plans sold on the ACA marketplaces, plans from an employer and short-term plans. Anyone in this spot can ask their state insurance office for help.
Health cover decides whether a person can afford a scan, a doctor or medicine. Knowing your notice and appeal rights can be the difference between getting care and facing a big bill.