Maybe things have changed but I always thought a qualifying event outside of open enrollment was to add a dependent to the plan or make benefit changes such as deductibles. I was talking to an HR person and they said that a spouse can not leave a plan. Coventry is the plan carrier and said that is not true, a spouse can leave the plan at anytime for any reason, they just can't get on the plan at anytime for any reason. The spouse is starting his own business and is getting his own health plan. He of course will be on his own plan. OR has the IRS gotten its hand into everything and now handcuff your spouse to a plan?