Dear AFSPA Member,

As we welcome the fall season, I want to remind everyone about the importance of staying healthy and safe during this time. With the flu season approaching, it’s crucial that we take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and those around us.

Triple Threat of Respiratory Viruses

It’s important to stay on top of your health, especially during the colder months when respiratory viruses are at their peak. Health officials have identified three main threats: COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. While COVID-19 and the flu are more well-known, it’s important to also be aware of RSV. If you’re 60 or older, it’s recommended that you get vaccinated against RSV as soon as your doctor advises it.

And don’t forget to get your COVID and flu vaccines before Halloween! Remember, “COVID-FLU before BOO.” The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) covers the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at 100% when visiting an in-network provider or a provider outside the 50 United States. As an added benefit, FSBP members aged 18+ years can earn a $25 wellness reward after receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.

Physical Therapy Month

October is Physical Therapy Month, and it’s a great time to highlight the numerous benefits of physical therapy. Whether it’s to recover from surgery, prevent surgery, treat a sports injury, improve mobility, or simply alleviate chronic pain, physical therapy can make a big difference.

If you’re experiencing any pain issues, we’re here to help! Our latest blog covers different types of pain and the programs we offer to alleviate them. As a member of FSBP, you’ll be pleased to hear that our physical therapy benefits are generous. You can receive up to 125 visits per year, combining physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Lastly, one of our most popular and successful programs is Hinge Health. It’s helped many members achieve their physical therapy goals. We are excited to announce that Medicare Part B participants can now also benefit from this program. We listened to you! We have taken note of your valuable feedback and incorporated your suggestions to improve our service.

Countdown to Open Season

Open Season is just around the corner, and we’re all excited about our FSBP benefit enhancements for 2024. There are some great benefits coming up, especially for our members who are over 65. I can’t give too much away yet, but keep an eye out for the FSBP Open Season packet, email announcements, podcasts, and other updates on Open Season events and webinars, where you can learn more about these enhancements. It’s shaping up to be an exciting year!

New! Beneficiary Advocate Benefit

If you are going through the difficult process of coping with the passing of a loved one, seeking support from grief counseling and assistance with funeral arrangements, finances, and estate planning can be helpful. Effective immediately, the Prudential Beneficiary Advocate benefit is available free of charge to all designated beneficiaries upon the death of the policyholder insured under an AFSPA group term life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) policy.

Your beneficiaries will have access to the following services when a claim is made:

• 24/7 unlimited grief counseling
• funeral planning services that include facilitating/coordinating payments directly with the funeral home
• online will preparation
• financial planning services

To learn more, visit afspa.org/life or contact the AIP Department at aip@afspa.org or 202-833-4910, ext. 310

It’s important to keep in mind that FSBP members in the United States also can take advantage of AbleTo, an 8-week program tailored to support individuals facing life challenges, such as coping with the loss of a loved one. Participants will work with a consistent coach on a weekly basis. If you believe this program could be helpful for you, please reach out to 866-287-1802 or visit AbleTo.com/enroll.

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.

As always, thank you for your trust and for giving AFSPA the opportunity to serve you!

To Your Health,

Paula S. Jakub, RHU
CEO, AFSPA