If you might want to backdate COBRA it is often suggested to fill out the paperwork and give them to a trusted third party (e.g. you), asking for them to be mailed if and only if a medical emergency occurs.
There are several different deadlines for ACA. This is from memory from a couple of years ago, it's also possible some of this is state specific. I'd advise checking at the source.
1) If you enroll in ACA before the previous coverage ends coverage will be continuous. Depending on exact timing and the efficiency of the provider this may involve backdating. If, heaven forfend, the coverage is needed before the backdating is complete then bureaucracy ensues. I was assured it would work out in the end but never had to test this.
2) His special open enrollment period ends 60 days (or perhaps two months?) after loss of coverage. If he misses this, he'll have to wait to the open enrollment period around November with coverage starting no earlier than January next year.
3) Except in case 1) above. Enrollment before the 15th of the month (say Feb 14th) starts coverage in the next month (e.g, March 1st). Enroll after the 15th (e.g. Feb 16th) and there is an additional month delay until coverage starts (e.g. April 1)
If you decide to use the "backdate COBRA gambit" for two months note that there is an implicit deadline of about 45 days from loss of coverage to avoid going completely bare for a month. Also if you delay signing up for the ACA in time there would be two month gap in coverage. There used to be a penalty for this. It may have been removed but I haven't checked.
There are several different deadlines for ACA. This is from memory from a couple of years ago, it's also possible some of this is state specific. I'd advise checking at the source.
1) If you enroll in ACA before the previous coverage ends coverage will be continuous. Depending on exact timing and the efficiency of the provider this may involve backdating. If, heaven forfend, the coverage is needed before the backdating is complete then bureaucracy ensues. I was assured it would work out in the end but never had to test this.
2) His special open enrollment period ends 60 days (or perhaps two months?) after loss of coverage. If he misses this, he'll have to wait to the open enrollment period around November with coverage starting no earlier than January next year.
3) Except in case 1) above. Enrollment before the 15th of the month (say Feb 14th) starts coverage in the next month (e.g, March 1st). Enroll after the 15th (e.g. Feb 16th) and there is an additional month delay until coverage starts (e.g. April 1)
If you decide to use the "backdate COBRA gambit" for two months note that there is an implicit deadline of about 45 days from loss of coverage to avoid going completely bare for a month. Also if you delay signing up for the ACA in time there would be two month gap in coverage. There used to be a penalty for this. It may have been removed but I haven't checked.
Statistics: Posted by Epsilon Delta — Tue Feb 11, 2025 11:25 pm — Replies 4 — Views 346