PUBLIC LAW 107-14 JUNE 5, 2001

VETERANS SURVIVOR BENEFITS

IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2001

Summary

Veterans' Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 2001 - Makes an individual who is eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) and who is also eligible for hospital insurance benefits under Medicare part A (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) eligible for medical care for his or her survivors and dependents if the individual is also enrolled in the Medicare part B supplemental insurance program. Provides payment limits.

(Sec. 4) Revises Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provisions to: (1) permit members to purchase a maximum of $100,000 in SGLI coverage for their spouses; and (2) extend automatically to members' children $10,000 in such coverage. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) coverage effective dates and termination; (2) premium and proceeds payments; and (3) SGLI conversion to private insurance.

(Sec. 5) Makes retroactive to October 1, 2000, the increase from $200,000 to $250,000 in the maximum SGLI member benefit for members who die on duty between such date and March 31, 2001. (April 1, 2001, is the current effective date for such increase for all members.)

(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that: (1) the needs of eligible veterans' dependents are fully addressed; and (2) the availability of outreach and assistance for such dependents is made known through a variety of means, including the Internet and announcements in veterans publications and through the media.

(Sec. 7) Makes various technical amendments to Montgomery GI Bill provisions, including: (1) eligibility requirements; (2) the charging of entitlements; (3) the "buy-up" option; (4) contributions reimbursement; and (5) conversion from Veterans Educational Assistance Program coverage.  

Text of the Veterans Survivor Benefits Improvements Act (P.L. 107-14) [.pdf]