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.

Options for Federal Workers

There is much uncertainty for federal workers at this time. I have been paying close attention to the impact of policy shifts on the federal workforce as well as changes that may be required for all FEHB plans under the new administration. Please rest assured, AFSPA is continuing to operate as usual.

Your health remains important to us. We offer a range of options for urgent and immediate access, including telehealth services and mental wellness support programs. Utilize these programs on your own or with the help of a care professional.

During this time, we would like to remind you of our Ancillary Program offerings such as Group Enhanced Life Insurance, dental and discount vision discount benefits. Many programs are eligible for enrollment throughout the year or during special open enrollment periods outside of the federal Open Season. In addition, these plans are not dependent on your federal employment and can be carried with you throughout your career.

Medicare March

This month at AFSPA we will be focusing on all things related to Senior Planning. I’ll be releasing an AFSPA Talks podcast providing an overview of Medicare. Later in the month, I’ll be speaking with one of our partners to delve into the differences between Medicare Parts A, B and C. You will be able to download these episodes via our website or any major podcast streaming service such as Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or Spotify.

We’ll be closing out the month with AFSPA Live, our monthly Q&A livestream available on our YouTube channel. On March 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. ET, I’ll be joined by our partners at Prudential to answer your questions about retirement, senior planning and our new Senior Term Life Insurance. Keep an eye on your email and social media channels – @afspacares on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram – for more information about that in the coming weeks.

AFSPA Disability Plan Closing

For our AFSPA members with Lloyd’s of London disability policies, we regret to inform you we received notification the contracted underwriters of this policy, Exceptional Risk Advisors will no longer be eligible to underwrite policies for this class of business. As a result, Lloyd’s of London could not renew your disability policy for the 2025 plan year. Unfortunately, this means your current coverage is no longer active as of January 1, 2025. We are reaching out to enrollees in the program directly with information on claims and premium refunds. The closure of the Lloyds of London plan follows the end of our Cigna disability program last year. AFSPA members are a unique group, and it can be difficult to find underwriters to support global coverage through an association plan. We realize the importance of disability insurance for added financial protection and are navigating other disability insurance options that we can hopefully offer our members in the future. For questions, please contact the Ancillary Insurance Program Department by phone at 202-833-4910 or send an e-mail to aip@afspa.org.

Critical Illness Open Enrollment: March 1- 31

As a valued AFSPA member, you can enroll for up to $10,000 of Critical Illness Insurance coverage without any health questions or medical exams from March 1 – March 31, 2025. Rates start at just $1.07/month and the plan provides a lump sum payment of up to $100,000* when you are covered under the plan and diagnosed with a specified critical illness such as a stroke, heart attack, cancer, or major organ failure. The benefit is paid directly to you to use as necessary with no waiting periods.

AFSPA members, anywhere in the world, younger than 65 and enrolled in a major medical plan, can apply.

Note: This coverage is not eligible for payroll deduction.

*Completion of a short health questionnaire is required for coverage amounts greater than $10,000

Finally, please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our blogs, weekly podcast, social media platforms, and our free educational webinars. Look out for your 2025 AFSPA in Action spring newsletter coming soon to your mailbox next month. You can also read past issues of our newsletters on our website.

To Living and Feeling Better, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO