Question: If my Cobra coverage ends during the year, what proof would I need to show to be able to get coverage in the subsidized exchange? Would I be able to seamlessly have coverage start the day after Cobra coverage ends?
Answer: When your COBRA coverage expires you will receive a certificate of creditable coverage from your COBRA insurer. That will serve as proof. You will then qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You will be able to coordinate the effective date of your new coverage on the first of the month after the end of COBRA coverage. By the way, if you are eligible for a subsidy, there is no need to wait for the expiration of your COBRA coverage. You can enroll in the “subsidized exchange” during the initial open enrollment period.
“if you are eligible for a subsidy”
Whether you are eligible for a subsidy or not, if you find a plan that meets your needs and is less costly than your current COBRA continuation benefit, you can enroll beginning Oct 1 and coverage will be effective January 1, 2014.
The requirement to “exhaust” COBRA continuation has been eliminated, effective 1-1-2014.