California

Purpose:
To request that EANGUS advocate for the inclusion of a "change in military status" as a recognized Life Changing Event under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, thereby allowing federal employees who retire from military service to enroll in or modify their life insurance coverage through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Background:
A recent case involving a Drill Status Guardsman from the California National Guard, who retired after more than 24 years of service, highlights a critical gap in current federal benefits policy. This individual, also a full-time employee with the Bureau of Reclamation, opted out of the Bureau’s life insurance program at the time of hire, favoring the cost-effective Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Upon retirement from the military, the individual sought to enroll in the Bureau's life insurance program, only to be denied on the basis that military retirement and the subsequent cancellation of SGLI do not constitute a qualifying life event.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States urges Congress to recognize "change in military status" as a qualifying Life Changing Event for the purpose of enrolling in or modifying life insurance coverage under FERS. This change will address a significant oversight and provide equitable treatment to military retirees who transition to federal civilian roles.

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events/