For transfers at death, the marital deduction applies only to property included in the gross estate for federal estate tax purposes. (definitions.uslegal.com)
If you own part or all of the policy when you die, the value of the policy can be included in your gross estate for federal estate tax purposes. (dfs.ny.gov)
This document contains final regulations that provide transition rules providing that executors and other persons required to file or furnish a statement under section 6035 (a)(1) or (2) regarding the value of property included in a decedent's gross estate for federal estate tax purposes before June 30, 2016, need not have done so until June 30, 2016. (law.cornell.edu)