Question: I want to cancel my COBRA and enroll in a Covered California plan. How much lag time should I expect from time of application to activation of the new coverage?

Answer: Applicants who are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to loss of coverage can apply right down to the last day within a 60 day window of loss of coverage and the new Covered California coverage is effective the first of the following month. However, in your case you do not qualify for a SEP until the expiration of your COBRA coverage. You can voluntarily cancel your COBRA during the annual Open Enrollment Period (Nov-Dec). During open enrollment, applications received on or before 12/15/2016 will be effective 1/1/2017.