[USA] Creating Healthcare.gov Account, How long for Identity to be Verified?

I have until the end of the month to elect COBRA coverage or find a plan on the marketplace while I continue to search for a new job. I haven't needed to use my insurance yet, so I haven't yet elected COBRA coverage. Today, I went onto healthcare.gov to create an account and see if there are any more affordable options. However, I needed to submit documents to verify my identity before I can submit my application (and even view plans). Knowing that it's the government, how quickly does it typically take for them to verify the submitted documents so that I can view plan options? I have until the end of the month to decide…is it realistic to expect my account be verified in the next few days?

If my account is verified before the end of the month, when would my coverage actually start? Does it begin the day I submit the application, or only once my application is approved? If my prior coverage ended at the end of August, would I have to pay for September and October's premiums with a marketplace plan like I would have to do with COBRA?

Basically, COBRA is expensive ($400/month), and I haven't had to use it yet, and hopefully won't need to. I'm really hoping I might be able to find something cheaper, or at least avoid the 2 past months, with a marketplace plan.

submitted by /u/GlobalGrad
[comments]