Dear AFSPA Member, 

The Open Season results are in, and we are happy to announce that AFSPA has experienced significant growth. Over 2,900 new enrollees have joined the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP), and there have been increases in enrollment in many of our Ancillary Insurance Programs. With so many new members and lingering inquiries about the FSBP-Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), you may experience a longer wait than usual when you contact our office or email us. However, please be assured that we are committed to providing you with the unparalleled service you expect and deserve. We are adding new staff and taking other measures to respond to you faster. 

American Heart Month 

February is here, and with it comes American Heart Month – a time to raise awareness about heart disease and its impact on our lives. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but it is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical check-ups.  

I would like to invite you to join me in wearing red on February 2nd, which is National Wear Red Day. This initiative is aimed at raising awareness of heart disease. I encourage you to start adopting a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, treating high blood pressure, and getting regular exercise. You can find out more about the various heart-healthy programs offered by FSBP specifically designed for those who may be at risk of heart disease. And don’t forget, as you progress towards your wellness goals, you can earn wellness rewards along the way. 

Practicing Self-Care 

Taking care of our physical and mental health is crucial to living a happy and fulfilling life. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think. By simply incorporating a few key habits into our daily routines, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest, staying active, managing stress, and keeping up with regular check-ups, we can ensure that we’re giving ourselves the care we deserve. Self-care comes in many forms, and each one is important for our overall well-being, from physical health to emotional and mental health. So, let’s make a commitment to prioritize self-care and choose health because we truly matter. 

Healthy Teeth & Gums Start at the Beginning 

Let’s not forget the importance of dental health, especially for our children. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to start good habits early by teaching kids to brush at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Here are some helpful tips to help pass good habits to your children. 

In case you missed the chance to enroll in a dental plan during Open Season, there’s no need to worry. AFSPA offers four dental insurance plans that can cater to the requirements of members in the U.S. and overseas. Our dental plans are flexible and allow you to enroll at any time. To learn more about our dental plans, please visit afspa.org/dental.  

FSBP Member Satisfaction Survey 

To ensure we are providing the best member experience, FSBP works with a National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) certified vendor to administer a Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) survey, an annual survey which is used for rating a patient’s health care experiences when navigating the healthcare system.  

If you receive the survey in the mail, it is very important that you fill it out and return it right away. When answering the questions, please think about your experience from a stateside perspective during 2023. The data collected will help us serve you better and help improve your overall experience when getting access to care.  

Lastly, you can continue to connect with us and learn more about our offerings through our blogs, podcast, social media platforms, and our events page on our website. Also, don’t forget to join our live Q&A sessions every last Thursday of the month as we answer your questions about our coverage and benefits.  

Thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to serve you. I want to remind you to prioritize your heart health by making healthy choices and scheduling regular check-ups. Let’s keep in mind our theme for the year, “Choose Health: Because You Matter,” and always strive to choose health for a better and happier life. 

To Choosing Your Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO