The maximum Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage will move from $400,000 to $500,000 as of March 1, and all eligible servicemembers will be enrolled to receive that new maximum … even if they’ve previously declined coverage.

The long-overdue increase became law as part of the MOAA-backed Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, which also increased Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage by the same amount.

As part of the increase, all eligible servicemembers will become insured for $500,000 to ensure they “can obtain the new maximum coverage without any medical underwriting,” according to the VA’s recently released list of answers to frequently asked questions. This includes members who previously turned down or reduced their SGLI coverage.

[RELATED: MOAAInsurance.com]

Servicemembers can purchase $500,000 worth of coverage for $30 a month. They’ll also receive SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) for an extra dollar a month, and get $10,000 insurance for their dependent children at no cost.

Members with full-time SGLI coverage who wish to opt out or reduce their coverage must update their plans via the milConnect web portal sometime during the month of March. Those with part-time SGLI (National Guard and Reserve members) must update their coverage by submitting Form SGLV 8286 to their personnel office.

Servicemembers who decline SGLI coverage will no longer receive spouse or family coverage. The new law does not increase coverage levels for spouses or dependents; learn more about Family SGLI at this link.

Have More Questions? The VA’s SGLI resource page covers eligibility and application concerns (Note: Premium rates listed as of Jan. 6 do not reflect new coverage limits). For questions about online enrollment, contact the Defense Manpower Data Center at (800) 368-3665. For other SGLI questions, including conversion to VGLI, contact the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance at (800) 419-1473.