JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
A public law that took effect in January repealed automatic enrollment in Family Servicmembers Group Life Insurance for military members married to military members, but those Airmen may still elect the additional coverage, Air Force Personnel Center officials said April 30.
As of Jan. 2, military members who marry another member of the Armed Forces are no longer automatically covered under Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance.
Under SGLI, military members are automatically covered for $400,000 unless they decline coverage or elect a reduced amount of coverage, said Susie Parson, AFPC casualty services branch. Under FSGLI, members' military spouses were automatically covered for an additional $100,000 or less, depending on the amount of the member's election.
"The law change did not prohibit additional coverage for military spouses," Parson said. "It just repealed automatic enrollment, which means Airmen are not enrolled or charged premiums automatically. Airmen will have a choice and those who want it will now be required to submit an election for the coverage."
Some military newlyweds, however, are paying premiums for FSGLI but are not actually covered.
"If you married another military member on or after Jan. 2, you are affected. Defense Manpower Data Center and Defense Finance and Accounting Service updates are underway, and once they are complete, you will be refunded," Parson said. "However, you are not actually covered under the Family SGLI."
Affected members who do not want the additional coverage on their military spouse need do nothing. Once the data systems update, they will get their refunds.
Members who want the additional coverage must elect coverage which will require that the spouse answer various health related questions. Premium rates vary depending on the member's age and desired coverage. For example, the premium for a 34-year-old is 50 cents per month for $10,000 coverage or $5 per month for $100,000.
Members who want FSGLI must visit their military personnel section and complete the SGLV 8286A, Family Coverage Election and Certificate.
"If you have experienced any changes - marital status, dependents or other - it is imperative that you update those in DEERS as quickly a possible," Parson said. "When such changes occur, you are also reminded to update your virtual Record of Emergency data and review your SGLI election."
For more information about the FSGLI change, including how to elect coverage and premium information, go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil and search for article "25004" or for "FSGLI."