COBRA - Extension for a Qualified Beneficiary

scraft

I had an employee who terminated employment due to illness and elected COBRA in June 2001. Our health plan only offers family or individual coverage. COBRA was offered to both her and her spouse, so they each elected an individual plan, since it was a savings over the family plan.

In December 2001, the employee (who I believe is now considered a QB), past away.

Does this event qualify her spouse to be extended to 36 months? I don't believe so, since I thought death was only applicable to an "employee" during employment and not under COBRA.

Thank you for your inputs.

Sue

bsa

The spouse must notify you within 60 days of the event (date of death). Death of the employee is a standard secondary event and the qualified beneficiary is entitled to extended COBRA of 36 months from the date of the ORIGINAL qualifying event.