Section 500.4424 of the Michigan Insurance Code allows the commissioner to authorize the insuring on a group insurance basis of groups where conditions or circumstances indicate that granting permission for discretionary group life is in the interest of the public. The commissioner must determine the percentage of employees or members required to participate in any group authorized under this section, the types of insurance coverage to be offered to the members of the group, and the amounts of insurance to be provided. The maximum insurance available to any member of a group authorized under this section shall be adjusted beginning July 1, 1982, and annually thereafter, from the original maximum of $80,000, to reflect changes in the cost of living under rules prescribed by the commissioner.

The new discretionary group life maximum effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 is $193,020.

The maximum levels for recent years are as follows:

July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001 ---- $154,616
July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002 ---- $159,254
July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003 ---- $161,643
July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 ---- $166,492
July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 ---- $166,322
July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 ---- $174,571
July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 ---- $180,506
July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 ---- $186,282
July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 ---- $193,020

If you have questions about this policy benefit or its minimum amount, please contact the Policy Division at (517) 373-1866.