[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HELP EXPAND INSURANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEFEND 
                               OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I have introduced the 
Veterans' Life Insurance Opportunity Act of 1998 (H.R. 4115) to 
increase the accessibility of the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) 
program to men and women of our Armed Forces following their separation 
from active duty.
  Active duty service members, unless they decline coverage, 
automatically participate in the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance 
(SGLI) program. This coverage expires following their discharge from 
the Armed Forces.
  Under current law, veterans have only four months to convert directly 
from SGLI to the VGLI program. Then they have an additional 12 months 
to apply for VGLI if they can provide medical proof of insurability. 
Following this brief time period, veterans have no other opportunities 
to enroll in VGLI.
  How many veterans, who are in transition from military to civilian 
life, busy relocating themselves and their families, finding housing, 
returning to school, and working hard to enter and advance themselves 
in the civilian workforce, are also thinking of life insurance needs? 
Many are young and have not yet thought of their future beyond the 
military. The deadlines for conversion are missed because of the many 
more immediate issues that newly-separated veterans are facing.
  Then, a couple of years go by, and the veteran realizes the 
importance of life insurance. By that time, it is too late!
  My bill, the Veterans' Life Insurance Opportunity Act, provides a 
reasonable and more realistic level of flexibility for our veterans who 
want coverage under the VA life insurance program. It would allow two 
years following their date of discharge to convert from SGLI to VGLI. 
Additionally, a second opportunity to make the conversion would be 
provided five years after their date of discharge from military 
service.
  Who, in our country, deserves and needs life insurance more than 
anyone else? This may be a hard question to answer, and indeed, our 
answers may vary. But high on the list, I believe, must be our 
veterans.
  I urge my colleagues to expand insurance opportunities for veterans. 
Please support and co-sponsor H.R. 4115.

                          ____________________