COBRA Coverage - Single or Family?

[Guest Pohainani]

I have just recently divorced and issued a COBRA notice from my ex-husband's Plan Administrator(he is a union employee).

Although the divorce decree orders that I retain medical coverage for our sons (2), my husband has verbally agreed to keep the children on his plan as he doesn't pay anything for their coverage.

I want to know if I opt for the single coverage under the COBRA plan, and the kids lose coverage later for whatever reason, can I then change my plan to a family plan and put the kids on my plan or would the kids have to take two single plans under the COBRA notice or can they take a family plan then?

[Guest Paul]

Each person on COBRA must be treated like an active employee. Therefore, you should be able to add the children if an active employee could add a child in the same situation.

[Guest Rob Cochran]

Under COBRA, you have the same rights as an active employee. If similarly situated active employees can add children to their plan, you can do the same. Most plans allow dependents to be enrolled prior to open enrollment as long as enrollment is requested in writing within 30 days following a loss of coverage.