WAEPA, For Feds, Since 1943
At Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA), we’ve provided Civilian Federal Employees and their loved ones with dependable life insurance since 1943. While times have changed, our mission to promote the health, welfare, and financial well-being of our members has remained the same.
1943
Our Mission Begins
War Agencies Employees Protective Association (WAEPA) emerged as an affordable life insurance provider for civilian federal employees serving in war zones during World War 2. These Feds were offered up to $10,000 coverage, based on salary.
1943-1945
Lauchlin Currie Serves as WAEPA’s First President
Currie was named the White House economist under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He also served as the Deputy Administrator for the Foreign Economic Administration. It was during this time at the FEA that he became a founding member of WAEPA, known then as the War Agencies Employees Protective Administrations. Currie served as WAEPA’s first president from May 1943 until June 1945.
1945
Premium Refunds Launched
Insured members received WAEPA’s first premium refund.
1949
AD&D Coverage Offered
Members were provided $10,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for free.
1954
Retirees Received Coverage
Retired members benefitted from insurance coverage.
1961
For Feds and Families
Optional dependent coverage was offered.
1961
We Are WAEPA
War Agencies Employees Protective Association is simply renamed to WAEPA.
1986
Coverage Amounts Increased
WAEPA introduced new group term plans for life insurance, providing up to $300,000 in life insurance for members and up to $100,000 in life insurance for spouses.
1994
Couples Covered Longer
Coverage for members and their spouses was extended to age 75.
1997
More Premiums in Pockets
Premiums were reduced for members age 45 through 59.
1997
Here for Longer
Member coverage was extended from age 75 to age 80.
1999
Premiums Reduced Again
Premiums were reduced for members ages 40 through 74.
1999
Love Birds for Life
WAEPA furthered its protection to members’ and U.S. Government employees’ loved ones by offering spousal coverage.
2000
Coverage Increased Again
Group Term Life Insurance coverage amount increased to $500,000 for members and up to $250,000 for spouses.
2002
Protection for New Feds
Protection with Guaranteed Issue coverage was offered to newly hired federal employees.
2006
New Coverage Milestone
Group Term Life Insurance coverage amount grew to $750,000.
2006
Invested in Education
WAEPA launched its Scholarship Program to financially support insured members’ children.
2015
Insurance Rates Reduced
All members under age 40 benefitted from reduced rates.
2015
World-Class Resources for Federal Employees
WAEPA partnered with the National Institute of Transition Planning (NITP) to host educational webinars for federal employees wanting to learn more about financial and retirement planning.
2016
Reduced Rates Expand
All members age 40 and over benefitted from reduced rates.
2017
Welcoming New York Life
New York Life Insurance Company became the sole underwriters for WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance*. With the change, coverage limits grew from $750,000 to $1.5 million for members and up to $500,000 for spouses.
2017
Financial Wellness with Ernst & Young
WAEPA partnered with Ernst & Young (EY) to provide a Financial Wellness Planning program to members.
2017
Our Group Gathered
WAEPA hosted its first Member Meeting in Washington, D.C.
2018
Living Benefits Launched
Chronic Illness Rider (CIR) Introduced to membership.
2019
Protection for Furloughed Feds
Premiums waived for all members during the historic government furlough.
2021
Paycheck Protection Launched
Group Short-Term Disability Insurance introduced to membership.
2022
Rates Are Reduced
Premiums lowered across multiple age bands and coverage amounts.
2022
Quick Decision Group Term Life Insurance
WAEPA adds Quick Decision to the application process, greatly speeding up the underwriting process.
2022
Expanding Our Membership
WAEPA’s coverage offered to both current and former Civilian Federal Employees.
Meet the People of WAEPA
Shane Canfield
M. Shane Canfield brings more than 25 years of experience in insurance and non-profit leadership to WAEPA. In his role as WAEPA CEO, Shane is responsible for strategic planning and leadership, managing stakeholder relationships, and serving our Board of Directors in organizational oversight.
Stephanie Baker
Stephanie Baker is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of service operations experience in the insurance industry. She supports WAEPA by leading the Member Services staff, the largest department in the organization.
Laurie Lee
Laurie Lee brings more than 25 years of executive-level experience in strategic planning and leadership. She joined WAEPA in 2019 after serving as CFO in the nonprofit sector for nearly two decades. Her expertise is in the development and execution of management strategy, leading financial operations, and streamlining financial procedures to create the best business practices.
Stacy Outlaw
Stacy Outlaw is an award-winning marketing executive, bringing over two decades of experience to WAEPA. She specializes in new product development, brand strategy, and digital transformation. She joined WAEPA in 2017, after working in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Michelle Suckow
Michelle Suckow brings more than 25 years of experience in insurance leadership. She is responsible for strategic planning and leadership, leads internal operations, and drives operational excellence.
David West
David West is a dynamic and strategic IT leader with over 15 years of success in driving organizational growth through the development and execution of forward-thinking IT strategies.
Tony Zerante
Tony Zerante has an extensive background with more than 25 years in insurance and nonprofit organizations. As our Chief Strategy Officer, he leads New Product Development, Strategic Growth Opportunities and heads our Member Billing Services team.