Final answer:
A surviving spouse of a certificate holder may qualify for continuance of coverage under a group health policy that provides coverage for medical expenses after a divorce through options like COBRA. It's recommended for the surviving spouse to explore other health insurance options as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
A surviving spouse of a certificate holder can qualify for continuance of coverage under a group health policy that provides coverage for medical expenses after a divorce if they meet certain conditions. One common condition is the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), which allows an individual to continue their health coverage for a limited period of time after certain qualifying events, such as divorce. Under COBRA, a surviving spouse may be eligible for continued coverage if they were covered by the group health plan on the day before the divorce occurred. They generally have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage after the divorce.
It's important to note that COBRA coverage is generally temporary and more expensive than coverage under the group health plan. Therefore, it's recommended for the surviving spouse to explore other options for health insurance after the divorce, such as obtaining coverage through their employer or through a private insurance plan.