Dear AFSPA Member, 

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 Season 

The Open Season enrollment period this year is from November 11th to December 9th, 2024. During this period, you have the chance to make changes to your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program enrollment, your Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) enrollment, and your Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS) enrollment. If you are already a member of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) and are satisfied with your coverage, there is no need to take any action, as your coverage will automatically carry over each year. Keep an eye out for your Open Season packets arriving in your mailbox or email inbox. 

This year presents an unprecedented open season. We are experiencing significant cost increases in various areas, leading to a 13% rise in our 2025 premiums, which aligns with the average increase across the FEHB program. If you would like to learn more about the FSBP benefit changes and enhancements, register for one of our upcoming Open Season webinars. We will hold several Open Season webinars at various times to accommodate members globally. These webinars will provide an overview of the FEHB and FSBP‘s benefit enhancements for 2025. To register for an Open Season webinar, visit afspa.org/openseason or afspa.org/events. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and attend one of these informative webinars. 

Use this time to take a look at our AFSPA Ancillary Insurance Programs (AIP), including options like dental, life, critical illness, and disability insurance, and consider incorporating them into your health portfolio for the upcoming year. The open enrollment period for our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) and Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) term life insurance plans ends December 1. Visit afspa.org/life to enroll. 

What’s new for 2025 

As we move forward into 2025, we are excited to introduce new benefits, programs, and changes that we believe will enhance your experience with us. Some of the noteworthy FSBP expanded benefits and changes include simplifying infertility benefits, making it easier for members to access artificial insemination services. In addition, we have added overseas virtual health programs to provide members and their families living abroad with comprehensive solutions to help them proactively manage their health and mental wellness. You can learn more about these enhancements at afspa.org/openseason.  

Lastly, we are no longer automatically enrolling members into our FSBP-Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) EGWP when they become eligible. This plan is specifically designed for FSBP members who are Medicare-eligible and aged 65 and above with Medicare Parts A and/or B. If you become eligible and would like to enroll in this plan, please request enrollment by visiting afspa.org/pdp or by calling 202-833-4910 and asking for the enrollment team.  

American Diabetes Month 

American Diabetes Month, observed in November, is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of education, prevention, and effective management of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 10% of the population is living with diabetes, meaning that most of us likely know someone affected by this chronic condition. Diabetes alters how the body processes glucose, resulting in high blood sugar levels. The prevalence of diabetes continues to grow, largely due to lifestyle choices.  

To combat this trend, it is essential to take proactive steps toward Choosing Health: Because You Matter. This includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, attending routine check-ups, and managing stress. By adopting these preventive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes and enhance overall well-being.  

It’s not easy. I am one of the millions of Americans living with diabetes, and I have shared my journey with this condition through podcasts and live broadcasts in the past. Coaching, remote monitoring tools, and dietary counseling all have played a role in helping me manage my health. If you’re living with diabetes or another chronic condition, you don’t have to face it alone. FSBP members can utilize our wellness programs to earn rewards for seeking preventive care and managing specific conditions. 

Stay Connected 

Please continue to connect with us to learn more about how you can maximize your benefits and coverage through our weekly blogs, 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.  

Thanksgiving is approaching, making it an ideal moment for families to unite, reflect on our blessings, and enjoy this cherished American holiday. Our entire AFSPA team is committed to supporting you, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for your service to our country. We truly appreciate your ongoing trust and the opportunity to continue serving you. 

Have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving! 

To Choosing Your Health, 

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO