Dear AFSPA Member, 

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.  

Please note that the new 2025 FEHB benefits for federal employees will take effect on the first day of the first full pay period in January following Open Season; this year, that starting date is January 12. For annuitants, the 2025 benefits will begin on January 1. 

Additionally, our AIP programs provide supplementary coverage options, such as dental, life, critical illness, travel insurance, and more, with enrollment available at any time. We are glad to welcome new enrollees to these programs as well, particularly in our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) and Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) offerings following an open enrollment period late last year.  

I would also like to take a moment to thank our long-standing members for their continued trust and support. With over 45,000 enrollees, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch service. We truly appreciate your membership and are always looking for ways to enhance our offerings to better address your changing needs. We are taking steps now to meet the customer service needs of a growing membership, so look for some changes throughout 2025.  

AFSPA Disability Plans Closing  

Effective January 1, 2025, we regret to inform you that our Cigna Disability plans will close. Consequently, Cigna Global and AFSPA will not be able to renew the disability policy for all currently enrolled members for the 2025 plan year. . We understand the significance of disability insurance for additional financial protection, and we are currently exploring other disability insurance options that we hope to offer our members soon. Please click here for more information about this change. 

New! Senior Term Life Insurance Coming Soon 

AFSPA members aged 65–74 will soon have access to Senior Term Life, a Group Term Life Insurance coverage issued by the Prudential Insurance Company of America, designed to cover final expenses and relieve financial burdens on loved ones. This plan will offer two benefit amounts of $15,000 or $25,000, affordable rates, and optional coverage for spouses or domestic partners. It can complement existing life insurance policies by helping with immediate expenses or serving as a gift to others after passing. More to come about this new and exciting plan. 

Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement Program for DoD Civilian Members 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 health care navigation, to include provider finder services, direct billing agreements, and insurance reimbursement. This action was directed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness as a result of a year-long effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care for DOD civilian employees stationed in Japan. 

Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members stationed in Japan are eligible to participate in this pilot program. The services provided by the pilot will begin Jan. 1, 2025, and run through Sept. 29, 2025. Here is a helpful fact sheet of the program if you have further questions. 

New Theme for 2025 

As we step into 2025, I invite you to join me in wholeheartedly embracing our health as a top priority! Each of us is wonderfully unique, so it is crucial to discover the best strategies for our well-being. By exploring tailored practices and programs that align with our individual lifestyles, we can make empowering choices for a brighter, healthier life. Remember, when we live better, we truly feel better! That’s why we have chosen “Live Better: Feel Better” as our theme for the year. You will see this theme across our communications this year, including ways you can engage in living and feeling better. Let’s embark on this journey together. 

Stay Connected 

As we welcome the new year, let’s celebrate each day as a chance to renew our aspirations and strive for personal growth. We invite you to stay connected with us through our engaging blogs, podcasts, and social media channels to discover all we offer. Lastly, please join us for our upcoming AFSPA Live Q&A session on January 30th at 11:00am ET on youtube.com/afspacares. 

Together, let’s embrace the exciting possibilities that 2025 brings, aiming for a year filled with safety, prosperity, and well-being. We are grateful for allowing us to serve you and your family. We are genuinely excited to embark on this journey together and support you every step of the way! 

To Living and Feeling Better, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO