Minn. Commerce Dept. Provides Info for Military Families

As a service to the state’s military personnel, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Web site will provide insurance and financial information especially for National Guard and Reservists preparing for deployment to Iraq.

Minnesota and federal law have certain provisions for military personnel, including waiver of license renewal procedures for insurance agents who are unable to comply because of military service; deferment of certain private life insurance premiums and other payments for the period of military service, and reinstatement of health insurance if coverage was terminated, canceled, or nonrenewed during active duty.

Approximately 2,600 Minnesota National Guard soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team will be mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It will be the largest overseas deployment of Minnesota National Guard soldiers since World War II. The 1st Brigade Combat Team includes approximately 4,000 soldiers from Minnesota, New Jersey, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Utah. The 1st Brigade is headquartered at the Northeast Minneapolis Armory.

Military families encountering problems or disputes involving insurance, real estate, mortgage or any of the other industries regulated by the Department of Commerce should feel free to contact the department at 1-800-657-3602. Details on these provisions can be found on the Department of Commerce Web site at www.commerce.state.mn.us.