Does anyone offer continued health benefits for surviving spouses, other than COBRA? Is there a fee involved? If the employee would have been eligible for post-retirement medical, is the surviving spouse offered continued medical as if the employee had already retired?

Thanks for any help provided.

There are employers paying for and carriers providing continuing health care benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children.

Generally, it is a matter of negotiation between employer and carrier. Usually, the surviving dependent benefit is limited to a few months or years - although some plans do provide coverage for retirees and their surviving spouses on a "forever" basis - quite costly.

If the company wishes to reduce its costs a bit, it can limit the eligibility to those who have been employed, covered by the plan or married for a minimum length of time.

[This message has been edited by Larry M (edited 03-29-99).]