Is continuation coverage available for the domestic partner if the employee does not choose to be covered?
1. “Mini-COBRA” / YES: Maine law entitles the employee to buy continuation coverage for either the employee, the employee and dependent(s), or only the dependent(s). However, it is the employee, not the dependent, who makes this choice. 2. COBRA / NO: The U.S. Department of Labor has advised that if the employee does not buy COBRA coverage for himself or herself, the domestic partner is not entitled to coverage because domestic partners are not defined as “qualified beneficiaries” under COBRA.
