Military’s increased group life insurance takes effect

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 | 8:17 a.m.

The Defense Department announced in a news release Tuesday that the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) maximum coverage increases to $400,000 as of today.

All members eligible for SGLI will automatically be insured for the maximum coverage of $400,000. The monthly SGLI premium has not changed and remains $3.25 per $50,000 of coverage. The monthly total premium for full coverage will be $26.

Service members who wish to retain the $400,000 of coverage with the beneficiary designations before today do not need to take any action.

The $400,000 of coverage will apply along with the new premiums, and beneficiary designations will remain the same as those in effect before today.

However, service members who have previously declined SGLI coverage or elected less than the maximum coverage, will also automatically be covered for $400,000. If they wish to again decline or reduce the coverage, they must complete a new SGLV 8286 form indicating the amount of coverage desired including no coverage if applicable.

If the member properly completes and submits the form before Sept. 30, the member will not be liable for the September 2005 premium associated with the reduced or declined portion of coverage.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service will refund premiums deducted for coverage in September, when the member files a valid election to reduce or decline the coverage before Sept. 30.

Reservists and National Guard members who do not live near a military facility will be able to access new SGLV 8286 forms on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at http://www.insurance.va.gov.

Valid SGLI elections become effective the first day of the month after properly submitting the election form. So, all members of the uniformed services will be fully insured for $400,000 throughout the month of September, regardless of any election filed before or during September, 2005.

In brief

During the eight weeks of training, Tomasulo studied the Army mission and received instruction in drill and ceremonies, rifle marksmanship, weapons, map reading, tactics, armed and unarmed combat, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, Army history, core values and traditions, and special training in human relations.

During the eight-week program, the five Nevada sailors completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety.