Reservists, National Guard Members Get Insurance Protections

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New state Insurance Department regulations give military reservists and members of the National Guard who go on active duty, or have their duty extended, the right to suspend their health insurance policies, and in some cases have premiums returned, The Albany Business Review reported.

Reserve military personnel are also entitled to resume their coverage when they return to civilian life, Gov. George Pataki announced March 12.

The new state Insurance Department rules are part of the "Patriot Plan" for administrative and legislative actions designed to benefit members of the military which the governor and Assembly Republicans announced on March 4.

Additionally, if a reservist elects continuation of coverage and passes away while on active duty, the surviving spouse and children are entitled to conversion rights.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 03/26/03