Divorce QE - How are the spouse/children's premiums determined?

[Guest Jeremy_Davis]

I'm trying to determine how to send out a QE letter for a divorced couple. The employee has divorced the spouse and there are two children. The spouse and children are losing coverage so I need to send out letters for each. If everyone elects COBRA coverage, are each charged as employee only, or would they be able to be charged at the employee + children rate?

How would the premiums be charged if only one or both children elect?

And finally, is this something that would apply to all carriers or would it be carrier-specific?

Many thanks!

[GBurns]

How old are the children ? If minors, How would they be able to respond or apply for coverage ?

Since the plan, apparently is fully insured, Isn't this a question for the carrier, first ?

[GMK]

Generally under COBRA, those who lose coverage due to a qualifying event have the same coverage options under continuation coverage as the employee had at the time of the qualifying event.

Not everyone has to elect continuation coverage. If some elect not to continue coverage, the others still have the option to choose to continue coverage individually or as a group (if the group is an appropriate coverage group of people, like family coverage for a parent and children).

So, the spouse can elect family coverage for the spouse plus the children or can elect single coverage for each person or for some of the children or for the spouse only or for a combination of persons. If "double" coverage is an option, the spouse can elect it for the spouse plus one child.

As GBurns recommends, contact the carrier.