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Open Enrollment Period Established for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

This law creates a limited-time "open season" lasting until the end of 2025, allowing eligible military retirees to enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or modify their existing coverage. This provides a critical opportunity for service members to secure financial protection for their spouses and dependent children if they previously missed the enrollment window. Late enrollees must pay back premiums plus interest to join the plan.
Key points
Establishes an "open season" (ending December 31, 2025) for eligible retired service members to enroll in or discontinue the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).
New enrollees must pay the total amount of missed premiums, plus interest and an additional fee, calculated to protect the military retirement fund.
Current participants can change beneficiaries (e.g., to a spouse or dependent child), and discontinuing participation generally requires the consent of the spouse and beneficiaries.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_9852
Sponsor: Rep. Steel, Michelle [R-CA-45]
Process start date: 2024-09-25
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

To establish an open season for enrollment in the Survivor Benefit Plan under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_9852.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-09-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Establishes an "open season" (ending December 31, 2025) for eligible retired service members to enroll in or discontinue the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).
  • New enrollees must pay the total amount of missed premiums, plus interest and an additional fee, calculated to protect the military retirement fund.
  • Current participants can change beneficiaries (e.g., to a spouse or dependent child), and discontinuing participation generally requires the consent of the spouse and beneficiaries.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Steel, Michelle [R-CA-45].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Security