California consumers have a limited window to switch to an exchange plan through Covered California. Beginning May 15, 2014 Covered California will offer a limited time special enrollment period for people who have COBRA health insurance, either federal COBRA or Cal-COBRA, and would like to switch to an exchange plan. The window for this limited special enrollment period is from May 15, 2014 – July 15, 2014.
For some people who have COBRA or Cal-COBRA coverage currently, a Covered California Individual Market Plan MAY be preferable because of premium assistance and cost sharing reductions available through Covered California. In some cases individuals and families can buy more affordable coverage in the Covered California exchange. This limited special enrollment category is in addition to the regular qualifying life events special enrollment periods that allow consumers to get exchange coverage during a time when open enrollment is not available. Other events in the special enrollment list of qualifying events include: losing coverage, having a child, getting married, and moving.
