Part One
Introduction



Almost everyone needs some life insurance. Through the Federal Employees'Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, the Federal Government offers you an opportunity to participate in this group plan which offers low rates and the convenience of payment through payroll deduction. In addition, the Government pays one-third of the cost of your Basic Life Insurance.



Most Federal employees are eligible to enroll in the FEGLI Program. If you have a question concerning your eligibility, see your employing off ice. Participation is entirely voluntary.



However, if you are eligible, you are automatically covered
for Basic Life unless you waive this coverage.



Your decision to elect or waive life insurance coverage should be based on your evaluation of your personal and family situation and needs, your existing insurance coverage, and your short and long term plans. If you elect FEGLI coverage, you may cancel your coverage at any time. Questions regarding your insurance should be directed to your employing office or retirement system.



The group insurance provided by this Program is reinsured by a large number of private insurance comoanies. The Office of Federal Employees'Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI), located at 200 Park Avenue New York, NY 10166-0188, has been established to administer the contract on behalf of these companies.



Federal Employees'Group Life Insurance is term insurance. As such, it builds no cash or loan value, or paid-up or extended insurance. There are two new features to the Program. If you wish, you can assign your insurance to any person or persons you choose. However, you can never change this assignment-it is irrevocable (see page 14 for details). Also, effective July 25, 1995, if you are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 9 months or less, you may elect to receive a lump-sum payment prior to your death (see page 12 for details).



If you are enrolled in the FEGLI Program, this booklet summarizes for you the benefits to which you are entitled, to whom the benefits are payable, to whom the claims must be submitted, and other provisions of the Office of Personnel Management's contract which principally affect you. This booklet, when supplemented by your copy of your Life Insurance Election form, SF 2817, (which you should attach to the inside back cover), constitutes your Certificate of Insurance.



The costs for all coverage may increase or decrease from time to time. Any such change would be made by the Office of Personnel Management only after careful analysis of FEGLI Program experience.



This booklet is not a contract of insurance. Your rights and benefits are governed by provisions of chapter 87, title 5, U.S. Code; the regulations of the Office of Personnel Management (5 CFR); and the contract negotiated by the Office of Personnel Management.



The contract which provides the insurance referred to in this booklet may be modified or terminated as may be required, such as by changes in the FEGLI law. Any such modification or termination, however, will not affect adversely any claim arising from death or injury occurring before the modification or termination.



It is important that you acquaint yourself and your family with the information in this booklet. Keep it and your copies of your Life Insurance Election form (SF 2817) and any Designation of Beneficiary form (SF 2823) in a safe place known to you and your family so that in the event of death, survivors will not overlook any insurance benefits which may then be payable.



Office of Federal Employees' Office of Personnel
Group Life Insurance Management



This booklet is divided into three parts. Part One, "Introduction:'contains the FEGLI Standards of Service and a brief overview, "Your Life Insurance at a Glance:'which describes the main provisions of the Program. Part Two, "FEGLI-A Closer Look:'contains greater detail about the Program. Part Three, "General Information:' includes information about eligibility, enrollment, and general procedures. It also contains "Questions and Answers:'an election worksheet, a sample election form, and a table which shows effective dates of insurance resulting from various events.



The information in this booklet is subject to change because of statutory or regulatory revisions that take effect after publication. Your employing off ice can give you the most up-to-date information