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Insurer USAA opens up membership to millions more veterans

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By MICHAEL SASSO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2009

TAMPA - USAA, the insurance and financial services firm for veterans, is opening up its membership to all current and former veterans and their families, the company announced Thursday.

Nationwide, that could expand its potential membership base by 35 million people, although not all of those would likely join the San Antonio, Texas-based company. Locally, USAA employs nearly 1,800 people in Tampa and previously announced plans to add another 200.

While the company will add millions of new customers, USAA doesn't expect to add any more employees related to Thursday's news, company spokesman Paul Berry said.

Many people may be confused by USAA's eligibility requirements, because until now, some – but not all – veterans could become members. Traditionally, it was only open to military officers and their families, but since the mid-1990s it has gradually been opening up to some enlisted men and non-commissioned officers.

Still millions of enlisted men and non-commissioned officers who served before 1996 weren't able to join, Berry said. Thursday's news opens up membership to those pre-1996 veterans, as long as they were honorably discharged. All told, there are about 18 million additional veterans and 17 million family members who are now eligible, he said.

The company currently serves about 7.3 million people nationwide.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.

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