Dependents' Options
Many times being a spouse or dependent on a group plan is not the best plan.
- First, the group rates are based on average age. This means that sometimes if you are older it is better to stay on the spouses plan, but if you are average or younger that may not be the case.
- Secondly, group plan are guaranteed issue with no health questions asked. For some that may mean staying on the group plan but if someone is healthy then maybe they are better served by a LOWER cost individual plan.
- Thirdly, most group plans do not cover the spouse for ANY kind of occupational injury, sickness or disease.
COBRA is a necessary safety net but is not the answer for everyone because you have to keep a plan that may not suit your needs.
The bottom line is this, why not know your options. Then make an informed choice.