Q.- We are changing our health plan eligibility for the new plan year. We will no longer offer medical coverage to spouses if they are eligible for and have medical benefits at their own employer. Do COBRA notices need to be issued if the spouse has coverage through his or her own employer? There is one spouse of an employee who does not work and is getting coverage on her own. Does a COBRA notice need to be issued to her? There is one spouse of an employee who is employed but is not eligible for benefits in her work place. Do we have to give her a COBRA notice?
A.- Under the COBRA rules, the answer to all three questions is No. We note that some employers do choose to offer a COBRA-like election in these situations to be generous to the employee, if the insurer will allow it.
