Qualified Beneficiary?

Jackson

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 12-27-01 AT 02:15PM (CST)[/font][p]We have an empoyee who terminated employment with us 12 months ago. He retained medical coverage through COBRA for himself and his spouse. We were notified today that they have divorced effective December 17. We know that his spouse is considered a qualified beneficiary and is entitled to extend her coverage up to a total of 36 months. However, we are unsure if our former employee is also considered a "qualified beneficiary". Is he also entitled to extend his benefits up to a total of 36 months instead of the original 18 months?

(Oops, SORRY. I should have posted this under "benefits". I have now done so, but if anyone wants to offer a response from here, I'd welcome it. Thanks!)

Peyton Irby MS

the ex-employee is entitled to the benefits he would have if there had been no divorce. [eighteen months from the termination] the same is true of the spouse. if she was entitled to 36 months as of the date of termination, then she can extend to 36 months from the date of termination.