RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
         AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER:  BC-2003-03610

		COUNSEL:  NONE

		HEARING DESIRED:  YES

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

All debts associated with the Family Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) for spousal coverage be removed from her record.

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

Until recently, she was unaware that she was enrolled in the FSGLI program and has no interest in participating in the program.  She never elected to have the additional coverage for her spouse and did not realize that sign-up was automatic if you did not decline coverage by signing a form.  She has never received any information, stating she was enrolled and paying premiums.  Premium rates changed several times over the past two and one half years and she never received notification of the change.  She can obtain additional life insurance for her spouse at much better rates than those offered through the FSGLI program.

In support of her request, the applicant provided a personal statement and a copy of SGLV Form 8286A, Family Coverage Election, Servicemember’s Information.  Her complete submission, with attachment, is at Exhibit A.

_________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the Air Force Reserves in the grade of major.

_________________________________________________________________

AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

AFRC/DPMB recommends disapproval.  The FSGLI program became effective on 1 October 2001.  Individuals who had a spouse were allowed to cancel FSGLI coverage during the period of 1 October through 31 December 2001 without any penalty.  Several news articles were written on the automatic enrollment for FSGLI and cancellation requirement from October though December 2001; to include advertisement on the leave and earnings statement.  Additionally, the applicant’s servicing MPF took the following actions to inform members of the FSGLI; advertisement via the Starlifter; the Wing’s newsletter, prior to and after the implementation of the FMSGLI coverage. Emails were sent on several occasions to all Commander’s and First Sergeants reminding them to brief their unit members of the coverage.  Representatives from customer service were stationed in the Wing Auditorium for two UTA’s to accommodate the mass of members declining the coverage on and after the coverage was implemented.

AFPC/DPMB complete evaluation is attached at Exhibit B. 

_________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

The applicant states that she is not claiming that she was not aware of the opportunity to obtain additional insurance for spouses.  She is claiming that her husband opted to have additional coverage for her and elected to obtain additional life insurance coverage for himself through USAA.  Since inception of the additional insurance program in October 2001, additional money has been deducted from his pay for the additional coverage for her.  They believed that they declined additional coverage on her husband and based that assumption because no deductions were taken from her pay.  She can show documentation that additional supplemental life insurance for her spouse was purchased and paid for from USAA during the period of October 2001, until the present.  She can also provide evidence that the rates offered by USAA for the same terms of insurance coverage is more competitive than those offered through the SGLI program.  She hopes that the Board will reconsider the recommendation to disapprove her case and remove the pending charges for life insurance benefits that she never opted to have.

Her complete submission is at Exhibit D.

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.	The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by existing law or regulations.

2.	The application was timely filed.

3.	Insufficient relevant evidence has been presented to demonstrate the existence of an error or injustice.  After a thorough review of the evidence of record and applicant’s submission, we are not persuaded the applicant should be reimbursed for the FSGLI premiums she paid from November 2001 to November 2003.  Applicant’s contentions are duly noted; however, we do not find these assertions, in and by themselves, sufficiently persuasive to override the rationale provided by the office of primary responsibility.  We therefore agree with their recommendation and adopt the rationale expressed as the basis for our decision that the applicant has failed to sustain her burden of having suffered either an error or an injustice.  In view of the above and absent persuasive evidence to the contrary, we find no compelling basis to recommend granting the relief sought.

4. 	The applicant's case is adequately documented and it has not been shown that a personal appearance with or without counsel will materially add to our understanding of the issue(s) involved.  Therefore, the request for a hearing is not favorably considered.

_________________________________________________________________

THE BOARD DETERMINES THAT:

The applicant be notified that the evidence presented did not demonstrate the existence of material error or injustice; that the application was denied without a personal appearance; and that the application will only be reconsidered upon the submission of newly discovered relevant evidence not considered with this application.

_________________________________________________________________

The following members of the Board considered Docket Number BC-2003-03610 in Executive Session on 6 August 2004, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

The following documentary evidence was considered:

	Exhibit A.	DD Form 149, dated 21 Oct 03, w/atchs.
	Exhibit B.	Letter, AFRC/DPMB, dated 13 Jan 04.
	Exhibit C.	Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 16 Jan 04.
	Exhibit D.	Letter, Applicant, dated 5 Feb 04.