Greetings AFSPA members, 

May is here, and with it comes a number of opportunities to choose health. Whether it’s a focus on our mental health needs, a decision to plan for a serious medical event, or simply making plans for summer check-ups, you can turn to AFSPA for what you need. We are here to serve you.  

Mental Health Awareness  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is an excellent opportunity to take a moment to reflect and remember that you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 20% of Americans live with a mental health condition. This includes any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, and more.  

Members enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) have access to mental wellness programs designed to help with various mental health and substance use disorder conditions. Additionally, FSBP offers comprehensive mental health benefits, including access to telehealth services, which means you can receive virtual counseling from psychologists and therapists. Please refer to the 2024 FSBP Plan brochure for coverage details.  

In case of a crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can assist people experiencing suicidal tendencies, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. You can also call, text, or chat with 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

Critical Illness Open Enrollment  

As an AFSPA member, you are eligible for up to $10,000 of Critical Illness insurance with guaranteed acceptance and no medical questions or exams. 

AFSPA’s affordable Critical Illness plan offers 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 stroke, heart attack, cancer, or major organ failure. You can use that money to pay for medical and non-medical expenses such as non-covered deductibles and copays, mortgages, rent, groceries, and even babysitters – anything you or your family may need. 

This coverage includes transportation and lodging benefits to provide an added layer of insurance protection, which can help you during an already difficult time. If you are an AFSPA member younger than 65 and enrolled in a major medical plan, you can apply for this coverage from May 1 to July 1, 2024, no matter where you are in the world.  

Plan benefits include: 

• Up to $10,000 in guaranteed coverage 
• No waiting periods 
• Fast access to money to use for related medical/nonmedical expenses 
• Competitive group rates 
• Members can elect to cover family under their policy, or spouses/domestic partners and children aged 19 and older can apply for their own coverage 

To learn more about this plan or to enroll, visit www.afspa.org/criticalillness. 

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

Summer Care Needs  

Summer is a popular vacation time, taking many of us to popular destinations for rest, relaxation, and exploration. If you have any health needs during your trips, you can rely on your FSBP coverage for a nationwide network of providers and worldwide coverage. For urgent needs in the U.S., don’t forget that care is available at no charge at CVS MinuteClinic and HealthHUB locations as well as through Teladoc Health.  

For those of you who may be traveling back to the U.S. for an annual visit, summer may be the perfect time to seek out primary and even specialist care. We now offer Aetna Virtual Primary Care powered by Teladoc Health**. You can engage virtually with a provider and supportive care team who provide a comprehensive exam and support for coordinating recommended follow-up care. Register at www.teladoc.com/Primary360-Aetna to start your virtual primary care today. Listen to our podcast episode to learn more about virtual primary care.  

**Aetna Virtual Primary Care powered by Teladoc available only to FSBP members located in the U.S. All Teladoc Health services covered at 100% with no calendar year deductible.  

Last but not least, please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our blogs, weekly podcasts, social media platforms, and free educational webinars. You can also read past issues of our newsletters on our website, which consist of Plan updates and other important health topics and information.  

This month marks a special anniversary for much of our membership: the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Foreign Service Act, commonly known as the Rogers Act, which established the modern U.S. Foreign Service. Though AFSPA was not established until five years later, we join the Department of State, our members, and our friends at the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) in marking this occasion.  

May also brings with it Mother’s Day on May 12, and I wish to extend my warmest wishes to all the mothers and mother figures for a Happy Mother’s Day. Your tireless efforts, care, and love are truly appreciated and never go unnoticed. At the end of the month, we will observe Memorial Day. I hope that each of us finds a meaningful way to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.  

Thank you for your continued trust and for allowing us to serve you and your family. 

To Choosing Your Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO