VA officials cutting insurance premiums

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced April 29 that military personnel insuring their families under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program will have reduced out-of-pocket expenses beginning July 1.

“VA (officials hope) these reductions will allow more military personnel to obtain affordable life insurance coverage for their spouses, particularly in these difficult economic times,” Shinseki said. “Without insurance protection, life after the loss of a spouse can be not only challenging emotionally, but can place a severe financial strain on a family.”

Family SGLI monthly premium rates will be reduced for all age groups by an average of 8 percent. The new rates are based on revised estimates for the cost of the program. This is the third time that premiums have been reduced since the FSGLI program began in November 2001. Spousal premiums were previously reduced for all age groups in 2003 and 2006.

FSGLI coverage provides life insurance protection to military members for their spouses and children. Children are automatically insured for $10,000, with no premiums charged.

Based on the coverage of servicemembers, spouses may be insured for up to $100,000. Military personnel pay age-based premiums for spousal coverage; the older the spouse, the higher the premium rate.

The premium reduction ensures FSGLI remains highly competitive compared to commercial insurers. FSGLI coverage is available in increments of $10,000. The current and revised monthly premium rates per $10,000 of insurance, along with other information, are available on the Internet at http://www.insurance.va.gov.