Q.- An employee is covering his child under our health plan based on a qualified medical child support order issued by the court. The child turned age 21 and no longer has to be covered according to the court order. The employee could keep the child on our plan until age 26, but he wants to voluntarily remove the child from coverage. If the employee voluntarily removes his child, do we have to send the child a COBRA notice?
A.- No, but you should know that neither the COBRA rules nor the QMCSO rules address the issue of whether termination of coverage at the expiration of a QMCSO is a qualifying event for the child. We suggest that you consult legal counsel and discuss with the insurer. In deciding whether to offer COBRA coverage for this event, you should keep in mind that if COBRA is not offered and the child is later determined to be eligible for continuation coverage, the plan might have to cover the child's expenses during the COBRA period.
