Adding existing child to insurance coverage when electing COBRA

KD13 · May 2013

We have an employee whose daughter is turn 27 and is aging off our insurance plan. The daughter has a child of her own who is not covered by our plan. Can the daughter add her child to the insurance when she elects COBRA? I am thinking this is a life event which would allow her to add the child but I would like to have confirmation either way.

Still Need Coffee · May 2013

I don't believe you can cover the daughter's daughter, as the daughter's daughter would not have been eligible for coverage under plan rules, as she is not a dependent of the employee.

Unless, of course, your plan allows covering grandchildren (which I haven't yet encountered) or the grandchild is a legal dependent of the employee.

cnghr · May 2013

I agree with Just Need Coffee, normally grandchildren aren't covered unless it's a situation where the grandparent has legal custody or guardianship.

KD13 · May 2013

Hey, thanks a lot. The point made by SNC makes perfect sense. The daughter's child was never eligible for coverage so she would not be eligible now.

Dutch2 · May 2013

Checked with our TPA and Coffee is correct. The granddaughter would need to be on your plan in order to have COBRA trhough your plan.

Adding existing child to insurance coverage when electing COBRA

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