Gap in coverage New York — am I out of luck?

Hi, all. I'm in a bit of a pickle here and I was hoping some folks might have some advice.

I'm finishing up my job in DC soon and moving to New York later this month to live with family. I'll lose health coverage through my job at the end of this month. New job won't start up for a month or two, so I'll have a gap. COBRA is not an option with my current job situation, but I should qualify for special enrollment for an ACA plan. I was advised by NY state that I have to wait to be a resident of NY before I can officially apply. They also told me in order to ensure a coverage start date by the first of next month (to avoid a gap in coverage), I need to apply by the 15th of this month. The trouble is that I'm not leaving my job until the 12th and moving the 13th so I'm not sure I can provide termination of benefits documentation and/or proof of residency by the 15th deadline. If I can't, I assume I'd have to wait until the first of the following month for benefits to kick in, leaving me with a month of no coverage.

My question is: does anyone familiar with ACA special enrollments know if I have to have all the necessary documentation ready by the 15th? Will it be possible for me to apply right after I move and secure the necessary documents over the next few days/weeks and still have an effective start date next month? Or does everything have to be submitted/approved by the 15th? Any general ideas for me in this situation? Am I out of luck?

One other thing: I know this sub frowns on short term health plans anyways, but regardless, it's not an option as NY is one of the few states that does not allow it.

submitted by /u/dpezpoopsies
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