COBRA qualified beneficiaris

[Guest buchanank]

I have an employee who is separating and currently does NOT have his spouse on his health/dental plan. Our health and dental plans are pre-tax. He wants to add his spouse onto his policy when he enrolls in COBRA coverage at that time. Can he do that? I thought the only people who can continue coverage at the time of COBRA onset are the qualified beneficiaries (who was enrolled already before separation) or a newborn while under COBRA. Help? Can someone clarify this for me???

Thanks in advance!

KPB

[papogi]

You are correct. Only qualified beneficiaries are eligible. After that, a newborn can be added, and other eligible individuals can be added at open enrollment. The employee can’t add the spouse when electing COBRA.