From the CEO – March 2025
We are looking forward to our upcoming Annual Member Meeting on March 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET. We will be hosting this as a hybrid event again this year. Our keynote address about cardiodiabesity – a hybrid term that describes the relationship between obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease – and its treatment options, such as popular GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, has garnered a lot of interest. We will also have partners on location and available virtually to directly answer questions related to cardiodiabesity care options and other programs and coverage from the Foreign Service Benefit Plan and our Ancillary Insurance Programs. If you were not able to register prior to registration closing, we will be posting a recording of the event on our YouTube channel @afspacares.
From the CEO – February 2025
February has arrived, bringing with it American Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about heart disease and its impact on our lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, yet it is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups. As we celebrate love and kindness this month, let’s not forget to love and care for ourselves by making efforts to live healthier lives in order to feel better.
Special Message From the CEO: Updates and Reminders for AFSPA Members
We have begun receiving a number of questions from our members about how changes within the Federal government may affect programs and benefits offered by AFSPA. This message will provide answers to some of those questions and concerns as well as additional information that may be useful to you. The information is current as of the date and time it is posted.
From the CEO – February 2025
February has arrived, bringing with it American Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about heart disease and its impact on our lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, yet it is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups. As we celebrate love and kindness this month, let’s not forget to love and care for ourselves by making efforts to live healthier lives in order to feel better.
From the CEO – January 2025
Happy 2025! As we enter the new year, I would like to warmly welcome all the new members who have chosen to join the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) and our Ancillary Insurance Programs (AIP). This Open Season was our most successful yet, with more than 3,000 new enrollees selecting FSBP for comprehensive benefits, including medical and prescription drug coverage, supporting you wherever you are.
The Foreign Service Benefit Plan Will Participate in Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DoD Civilian Employees in Japan
The Department of Defense (DoD) is establishing a pilot program to provide enhanced health care support to DoD civilian employees in Japan. The Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DoD Civilian Employees in Japan will assist eligible civilian employees with assignments in Japan with health care navigation. The Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness directed this action due to concerns regarding access to medical care for DoD civilian employees stationed in Japan.
From the CEO – December 2024
As Open Season comes to a close, you have just one week left to make sure your 2025 health plan meets your family’s needs for the upcoming year. It is important not to wait until the last minute to make any necessary updates. If you are an active-duty employee and decide to switch health plans, your new benefits will begin on January 12, 2025. For retirees and annuitants, however, your 2025 plan benefits will start on January 1, 2025. Be sure to review your options before the deadline! If you are currently enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) and are satisfied with your coverage, no action is needed—your coverage will automatically renew each year.
Cigna Disability Plans Closing Effective 1/1/25
We regret to inform you that our Cigna Disability plans will be closing effective January 1, 2025.
From the CEO – November 2024
Before the holidays overtake us, there’s an important season that we all celebrate: Open Season. This annual period is the ideal time to assess your federal benefits and think about how you and your loved ones can optimize them for 2025. There is a lot happening in the Federal benefit space this year, and we are here to help.
Open Enrollment for GEL and IBP: Oct 1 – Dec 1
Even if you have life insurance through your employer, we urge you to consider these exclusive coverage options that work well either as stand-alone or add-on plans for more comprehensive coverage. Choose a plan that fits your needs.
