Figuring out COBRA and ACA coverage, with open enrollment period

I quit my job. Rather impulsively. Reasons unimportant for the purposes of this post. I am losing my employer provided healthcare coverage shortly.

I can retroactively use COBRA without having to pay the premiums up front, in the case of some catastrophic event. I just… won’t go to the doctor for two months. Not a big deal.

I was going to wait to enroll in healthcare with the ACA in my state (VA) until the end of the 60 day special enrollment period. It conveniently overlaps with how far back I can claim COBRA. So then I’ll just get an ACA plan starting sometime in December when my COBRA retroactivity expires.

But, it’s also open enrollment. So should I purchase an ACA plan starting in December, or should I just get some kind of bridge plan for December and do regular open enrollment in the ACA?

Are the plans that are offered during special enrollment periods the same as the open enrollment plans?

If I start my ACA plan in December, would I just renew it as part of the open enrollment period? Would it change?

If I get a new job that offers insurance, can I cancel my ACA coverage?

Thanks for your help!

ETA: late 30s, the coverage is only for me (no dependents and I’m not married). Gross income will be variable due to employment uncertainty, but is likely to disqualify me from any ACA subsidies. It does for 2024, but I’m not sure what 2025 will bring.

submitted by /u/cwazycupcakes13
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