DoD Directive on Insurance Sales Expected Soon

ARLINGTON, Va.-NAFCU has said that it expects the Department of Defense to come out with its final regulation on insurance and other sales to military personnel shortly. “The DoD authorization requires publication of a directive by 31 March,” NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker explained. He added that it is his understanding that there has been progress toward that goal. “We’re very happy with that.” NAFCU has been involved in the negotiations from the start and Becker has testified before DoD representatives twice on behalf of the credit union point of view. The proposal, which he said he expects to undergo little change in final form, “acknowledges the vital role” of the on-base financial institutions and “solidifies the position of the on-base bank and on-base credit union.” He said that the regulation, aimed at keeping personal commercial solicitation, including circumspect insurance sales practices, off military bases, does not serve to limit competition “because the on-base bank and on-base credit union are competing with each other.” Becker also pointed out that the directive would not keep others from setting up shop just outside the gates of a military installation. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) has introduced the Military Personnel Financial Services Protection Act (S. 418) to restrict similar activities, give the state insurance regulators authority on base, which is considered federal territory, and require that military personnel be informed before purchasing life insurance that subsidized insurance may be available through the government. NAFCU is backing the bill.