Dear AFSPA Member,

Open Season for federal employees and retirees is swiftly approaching. AFSPA is actively preparing to participate in a variety of Open Season briefings and benefits fairs, both nationally and internationally, and we also will be hosting several informative webinar sessions. This time of year emphasizes the importance of staying informed about your health by getting the flu vaccine, taking advantage of life insurance open enrollment opportunities, and staying connected with AFSPA for the latest in benefit enhancements and changes.

Countdown to Open Season

It is almost Open Season again! From November 11 to December 9, 2024, federal employees and retirees can gather information to make informed decisions about changing or updating their health, dental, vision, and flexible spending account benefits without needing a qualifying life event. Based on the information OPM has released already, this will be an Open Season unlike anything we have seen in at least a decade. It’s a great time to consider your options. AFSPA will be participating in various Open Season briefings and benefits fairs nationally and internationally, as well as hosting multiple webinar sessions. Join us to learn more about Open Season generally and what AFSPA is offering. Keep an eye out for the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) Open Season packet, email announcements, podcasts, and other updates on Open Season events and webinars, where you can learn more about benefit enhancements and changes.

Get your Flu Vaccine

It is important to prioritize your health, especially during the colder months when respiratory viruses are most common. The CDC advises that everyone in the United States who is 6 months and older, with few exceptions, should receive a flu vaccine each season. Research suggests that maximum immunity is achieved shortly after getting a flu vaccine and decreases with each passing month. That’s why experts recommend getting the flu vaccine before influenza activity begins to pick up, ideally by the end of October.

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.

Open Enrollment for GEL and IBP

AFSPA’s life insurance open enrollment will begin on October 1, 2024, and end on December 1, 2024. This is your chance to enhance your life insurance coverage, regardless of whether you are in the United States or overseas.

As a member of AFSPA, you have access to two affordable life insurance plans, Group Enhanced Life Insurance (GEL) and the Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP)*, specifically designed for the unique needs of our members. The benefits from both plans can be used by your loved ones for various expenses such as housing, childcare, and final expenses, providing added peace of mind and securing their financial future. Even if you already have life insurance through your employer, we encourage you to consider these exclusive coverage options, which can work well as stand-alone plans or as add-ons for more comprehensive coverage.

Additionally, these plans include Beneficiary Advocate services at no extra cost, which can help with funeral, estate, and financial planning. They also provide access to 24/7 grief counseling at the time of a claim.

Members also can enroll in our Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage at any time. This program provides coverage in the event of death or other loss resulting from an accident. You have the option of covering your spouse, domestic partner, and children under the same policy at reasonable rates.

You can learn more about all of these plans, including the details of the open enrollment, at afspa.org/life.

*IBP is exclusively available only to employees of select agencies: Department of State U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) formerly known as Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), Foreign Agricultural Service, and U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (Foreign Service employees only).

Stay Connected

Stay connected with us to learn how to maximize your benefits and coverage. You can access our blogs, podcasts, and free educational webinars, as well as follow us on social media for valuable information. Additionally, our AFSPA In Action newsletters with plan updates and important health topics are available to read on our website.

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

To Choosing Your Health,

Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC

AFSPA, CEO