Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Veterans Group Life Insurance
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to know what people think about a new form that helps veterans with their insurance, especially if they are old or need extra help. This form is not needed to get insurance, but it could make things easier, and people can say what they think about it until January 8, 2025.
Summary AI
The Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public comments on a new information collection form called VA Form SGLV 8714 for Veterans Group Life Insurance. This form is intended to allow third parties to assist veterans with their insurance needs, especially those who are elderly or have disabilities. The information collected is optional and not required for receiving insurance benefits. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reviewing this submission and comments are open until January 8, 2025.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden, and it includes the actual data collection instrument.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register announces the Veterans Benefits Administration's plan to collect information using a new form, VA Form SGLV 8714, specifically for Veterans Group Life Insurance. This initiative aims to facilitate third parties in assisting veterans, particularly those who are elderly or dealing with disabilities, with managing their insurance affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs is complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by submitting this information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review.
General Summary
This notice calls for public comments by January 8, 2025, on the newly proposed information collection form. It provides a platform for third parties to assist insured veterans, ensuring that their insurance needs are effectively managed. Although the use of this form is optional and not a prerequisite for receiving insurance benefits, it represents an effort to improve the support available to veterans who might face difficulties managing these affairs independently.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One noteworthy issue within the document is the lack of detailed information regarding the costs and burdens associated with this new information collection strategy. While a total annual burden estimate and an average burden per respondent are provided, there is insufficient breakdown of potential financial implications that might concern stakeholders.
Additionally, the document's language related to the use and purpose of this form could be expanded further. Given that the form allows third parties to act on behalf of veterans, a clearer explanation of the requirements and procedures for those third parties would be beneficial. The current complexity of the bureaucratic language might be a barrier for those unfamiliar with such processes.
The document also makes references to a website for additional information and public comments but lacks detailed guidance on navigating this online platform. This omission could be particularly challenging for those who aren't comfortable with digital interfaces.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, and especially for veterans and their families, this document signifies an effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the administrative needs of vulnerable veterans. Yet, the opaque language and lack of clarity may hinder understanding and engagement. The potential benefits of this initiative could be overshadowed by confusion if the communication isn't improved.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Veterans, especially those who are elderly or disabled, stand to gain from the assistance that this new form promises. However, without a clear explanation of the benefits and limitations of opting into this service, veterans might find the process unnecessarily complex. If executed properly, this form could significantly simplify the lives of many veterans, ensuring they receive their deserved insurance benefits with ease. Conversely, if these issues aren't addressed, the initiative might fail to reach its potential, leaving stakeholders unsatisfied or even more confused than before.
In conclusion, while the intention behind this bureaucratic move is commendable, the clarity and accessibility of the information provided are critical to its success. Simplifying language, clarifying procedures, and offering detailed online guidance would better serve the community it aims to help.
Issues
• The document does not provide a detailed breakdown of the expected costs and burdens beyond the total estimated annual burden and average burden per respondent, which could be perceived as lacking transparency in potential financial implications.
• The language related to the use and purpose of the Veterans Group Life Insurance form could be expanded to clarify the process that third parties must follow to act on behalf of veterans, ensuring it is accessible to those who might not be familiar with bureaucratic processes.
• The document references a link (www.reginfo.gov) for additional public comments submission and information, but it would be helpful to provide more detailed guidance on navigating the website, as non-digital-savvy individuals may find this challenging.
• The 'Supplementary Information' section mentions that the information collection provides an optional service and is not required for receiving insurance benefits, yet it does not clearly state the benefits or limitations of opting into such a service, potentially leading to confusion among veterans.
• The writing style includes complex bureaucratic language and may benefit from simplification to ensure it is easily understood by a wide audience, including elderly veterans or those with cognitive disabilities.