AFSPA Talks

AFSPA Talks MED

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Bureau of Medical Services within the Department of State plays a unique role in supporting the thousands of members of the Foreign Service and other U.S. government agencies, and their families, serving around the world. These medical professionals provide primary care, arrange medevacs, support ongoing chronic care, and more. Today, AFSPA Talks with three leaders from MED to learn a bit more about their work and to get some advice for audience members who are new to the Foreign Service or considering joining.

Please note: This episode was recorded in late September 2026. All information in this episode is current as of that date.

Links discussed in this episode:
Upcoming AFSPA Events: www.afspa.org/events
AFSPA's Life Insurance Open Enrollment: www.afspa.org/life
Choosing Federal Health Insurance: Selecting Federal Health Insurance

AFSPA Talks Senior Living Foundation

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

For almost 40 years, the Senior Living Foundation has helped meet the needs of the Foreign Service community. We do this with professionalism and dignity while maintaining our clients' privacy. Today, we'll look at how SLF works, who we can help, and what that help looks like. SLF Social Work Consultant Joan Parrish, MSSW, LGSW, joins us to share her role in the process.

For more information on SLF, please visit www.slfoundation.org.

Follow SLF on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@seniorlivingfoundation) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/seniorlivingfoundation).

To join us for our Next Chapter Conversation on September 23, please visit https://www.youtube.com/live/V7PLC7fdnXc?si=aVA59SQhO4Wc-eO9.
You can submit your questions for the event here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/KNUsfShw0r

To explore other upcoming events from AFSPA and our partners, please visit www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Back to School with the Truman Group

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400

August is a time of change for many. For families with children, it's back-to-school time. For many AFSPA members, it's also PCS season. This can all combine to make for a challenging period. To help us talk through ways to manage these changes, we're talking with Catherine McLean, MSW, LCSW, from the Truman Group. She shares her knowledge as a licensed clinical social worker and her experience as an expat and a counselor to many other expats. To help after the episode ends, she's also shared an infographic available here.

Upcoming events: www.afspa.org/events

Truman Group: www.trumangroup.com

AFSPA Talks Hidden AIP Programs

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Many of you know that AFSPA offers more than the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. But did you know that we go beyond traditional insurance? In this episode, AFSPA's Sr. Director for Ancillary Programs walks us through some of the hidden treasures she manages, including travel insurance, members-of-household plans, and professional services partnerships. There's something for everyone at AFSPA.

For more information on AFSPA's ancillary programs, please visit www.afspa.org/aip.

AFSPA Talks Teladoc Care Options

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, we continue our focus on men's health but expand it to care options for everyone. Removing barriers to care makes it easier for everyone to get the support they need, and that's exactly what we discuss today. Members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan have access to a variety of telehealth and chronic care management options through our partnership with Teladoc Health. Chris Eastburn from Teladoc provides us with an overview of the various programs and how they can help all our members.

For more information on FSBP care options, visit www.afspa.org/fsbp.

To see our upcoming events, visit www.afspa.org/events.

Join us for AFSPA Live on June 25. Submit your questions in advance at: https://forms.office.com/r/9FuRJC76sN.

Don't miss open enrollment in AFSPA's disability insurance program through June 30. Learn more and enroll at www.afspa.org/aip/disability.

AFSPA Talks Men's Health

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Statistically speaking, men are less likely to seek care, both for prevention and treatment. This applies to physical health and mental/behavioral health. In recent years, this discrepancy has led to a widening gap in life expectancy between men and women. We discussed these differences, the importance of care for men, and even dived into some trends with Dr. Kelly Ruel, Sr. Medical Director for Aetna/CVS Health.

To learn more about topics discussed in today's episode, please visit:
AFSPA Events - https://www.afspa.org/events
FSBP Preventive Care, Virtual Care, and Wellness Programs - https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/

AFSPA Talks Maternity Journeys

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

National trends indicate that more people are waiting until a bit later in life before considering their options. Some plan months or years in advance before starting the journey, while others make plans quickly when they find out a new addition is on the way. Growing a family looks different for each of us. Last year, more than 700 FSBP members gave birth and grew their families in locations around the world.

For FSBP members at any stage of the fertility, maternity, or parenting journey, they can access support through Maven Clinic. As part of Maternity May, we welcome Dr. Kathleen Green from Maven to talk about their support program and how members can benefit from this free, global offering. You can ask your own questions to Dr. Green during this month's AFSPA Live on May 28 at 11 am ET.

To enroll in Maven Clinic, please visit www.mavenclinic.com/join/FSBP

To learn more about our upcoming programs, please visit www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Long Term Disability Insurance

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

AFSPA is happy to announce that we recently launched a new long-term disability insurance plan in partnership with Prudential. This new plan offers a variety of ways to customize coverage based on your salary and how long of a benefit period you want. To learn the ins and outs of the new plan, we welcome back Nicole Devlin from Prudential to the program.

To learn more about the new plan, please visit www.afspa.org/aip/disability.

To see all of our upcoming events, please visit www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks FSBP Claims

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

We continue All about AFSPA April with a deep dive into claims. Last year, the Foreign Service Benefit Plan processed more than 2.28 million claims from members all around the world. These included more than half a million overseas claims and thousands of massage therapy claims. If you've ever wondered how we do it, this episode is for you. Kelli Rath from Aetna walks us through the processes, challenges, and successes of processing claims from our unique, worldwide membership.

For more information on claims, please visit www.afspa.org/fsbp/claims.

For all of AFSPA's upcoming events, visit www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Foreign Service Benefit Plan

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to All About AFSPA April! In today's episode, we are discussing the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. With AFSPA's Sr. Director of Health Operations, Igor Cherevko, we visit some of the most frequently asked questions and common topics that our Health Benefits Officers encounter.

Drug Pricing Tool: https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/commercial-open-enrollment/afspaforeignservicebenefitplan/plans/68c2cfb07c0b92001c878c32/apps/medication#/

Lyra Health: Call 1-877-505-7147 or visit https://www.lyrahealth.com/.
Truman Group: https://trumangroup.com/

For more information on FSBP, visit www.afspa.org/fsbp.

AFSPA Talks Medicare Advantage

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

To close out Medicare March, we're taking some time to look at the most popular Medicare program in the country: Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPs). Dr. Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Medicare at Aetna, joins us to talk about the plans in general and dive into the specifics of the FSBP - Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan. Join us for a great conversation about the ins and outs of MAPs, how FSBP members can take advantage of savings and support opportunities, and for some general tips on care as we all age.

For more information on the FSBP - Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan, please visit www.fsbphealth.com/retiree.

For more on how FSBP works with Medicare generally and other options available, please visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/.

To learn more about our upcoming events, go to www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Medicare PDP

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In 2026, FSBP changed its High Option prescription drug benefits. The result: many people are paying more out of pocket for their drugs. For those enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, there is an option available to save money: the FSBP-Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). We revisit this program in today's episode with Tavares Johnson from Evernorth/Express Scripts.

Tavares began his career at Express Scripts in 2008 as a Patient Care Advocate, where he gained valuable experience supporting members, pharmacists, and physicians. His dedication and problem-solving skills led to a promotion to Resolution Team Lead, a role in which he partnered closely with account management and clients to resolve complex member issues.

In 2013, Tavares was promoted to Senior Account Manager, where he began working with Medicare Part D clients and deepened his expertise in Medicare products and services. His comprehensive understanding of both member and client needs has been instrumental in driving successful outcomes.

In 2024, Tavares was promoted to Senior Manager on the EGWP Market Strategy team, where he leads strategic initiatives to support Employer Group Retiree plans. His leadership and industry insight continue to make a meaningful impact across the organization.

To learn more about the PDP and opt in to the program, please visit www.afspa.org/pdp.

To review PDP drug pricing, please visit: https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/medicare-open-enrollment/fsbp.

To review High Option drug pricing, please visit: www.express-scripts.com/fsbp

Join us for AFSPA Live on March 26 at 11 am. You can submit your questions in advance, here: https://forms.office.com/r/wM8t8HqvDM

AFSPA Talks Medicare and the FEHB in 2026

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this podcast episode, AFSPA CEO Kyle Longton provides a comprehensive overview of how Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program work together. Learn about each part of Medicare - A, B, C, and D - and what factors you should consider when deciding whether to enroll in Part B.

Please note: this presentation addresses only how Medicare and FEHB work together. It is not intended for audiences beyond those with FEHB coverage. The information is accurate as of March 13, 2026.

For information on Part B premiums and Part D premiums/IRMAA amounts, please visit: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/115....

To learn more about signing up for Medicare, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

To learn more about the Foreign Service Benefit Plan and Medicare, visit: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/

Check out our events page here: www.afspa.org/events/.

AFSPA Talks Retire Federal

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The last year has been marked by record numbers of federal employees retiring from service. Making the decision to retire is never simple, and the considerations for federal employees are unique from any other group. Luckily, there are uniquely qualified advisors available, including our guest for this episode: Tammy Flanagan. She joins us to talk about changes to the retirement process and how she and her colleagues at Retire Federal can help assess retirement readiness.

Learn more about Tammy Flanagan's work:

Retirement Planning column for Government Executive: https://www.govexec.com/topic/retirement-planning/

Work on Federal News Network: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/tag/tammy-flanagan/

Retire Federal: https://www.retirefederal.com/

Join us for AFSPA's Annual Meeting: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApdnelInxPpOrUWwrwRtWQHK6tRGvr-131W5CrN1-ZmfJrNFNBRT~AoT4rcYlVLw2IItcnh0s9MRHkhw0RCH8bwljb9hCwAKV7cePVcMYvKyCRg

Submit questions for AFSPA Live: https://forms.office.com/r/ePv8DKMtvd

See more upcoming AFSPA events: www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA Talks GEBA Wealth Management

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It's Financial Wellness February at AFSPA, and we're excited to highlight the expertise available from some of our partners. Federal employees' retirement and insurance needs are unique from those in the private sector, and that means they need advisors with unique expertise. Our partners at GEBA and GEBA Wealth Management offer just that. To tell us about their services, we're happy to welcome GEBA President and CEO Greg Klingler, MSM, CP, ChFEBC, CPFA. He will also be our guest on AFSPA Live at 11 am on Thursday, February 26.

Learn more about the service available for AFSPA members at www.GEBA.com/afspa.

Submit your questions for AFSPA Live here.

See other upcoming events at www.afspa.org/events.

AFPSA Talks Careington Discount Program

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Today, we kick off Ancillary January with a focus on our combined dental and vision discount program offered in partnership with Careington. Valerie DeBruin joins us to discuss how this program differs from insurance, both in the services provided and the cost to the member. Stay tuned to the end for a mention of the hearing discount program, too.

For more information on all of our ancillary programs, please visit www.afspa.org/aip.

For more on the discount programs discussed in today's episode, please visit www.careington.com/co/afspa

AFSPA has a number of events planned for the weeks and months ahead. Learn more and register at www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Lyra Health

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Accessing mental health care can be a challenge. Outside the U.S., that challenge can at times be insurmountable. FSBP offers a program to help members around the world access counselors and other support to meet their behavioral, mental, and emotional health needs. Lyra Health is available to FSBP members outside the U.S. for counseling at no cost. Today, Karen Munson joins us to discuss this program and how members can access it.

Visit https://fsbp.lyrahealth.com/ to register and begin accessing care. FSBP members can also call +44 33 00 241 021 for immediate assistance. You can download the Lyra Health app through the App Store or the Google Play Store. If you receive a request to enter the organization sponsoring your access to Lyra, please enter "FSBP".

For more information on our various programs, please visit our video library at www.youtube.com/afspacares.

Join us for future events at www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks GLP-1 Requirements

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

In today's episode, we discuss the updated requirements for GLP-1s for the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. Grace Silverio from Teladoc Health breaks down the new Advanced Weight Management Program required for FSBP members taking GLP-1s for weight loss in the U.S.

It's Open Season! If you're looking for more information on the FSBP's premiums, plan changes, and more, click here.

If you would like to register for an Open Season webinar, click here.

Join us for AFSPA Live, a live Q&A session, on 11/20 @ 11 AM ET. We will be discussing the 2026 FSBP Open Season. If you would like to submit a question in advance, you can do so by filling out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/RApuq334NE. You can watch live on our YouTube channel @afspacares.

Register for the Virtual Benefits Fair: https://vshow.on24.com/vshow/FVBF25/registration/24363

AFSPA Talks Prescription Drug Coverage in 2026

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Today, AFSPA Talks Prescription Drug Coverage in 2026. For the first time in a decade, we're making changes to the cost shares for prescription drugs. Join us today to talk through the changes and understand what your costs will be in 2026. See the changes at www.afspa.org/openseason. Price your drugs at www.express-scripts.com/fsbp, and be sure to select 2026.

For members who have opted in to the FSBP-Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or PDP, there will be NO CHANGE to cost sharing. This means that most drugs will cost members less under the PDP. Combine these savings with a wider network of pharmacies and greater flexibility for where you can obtain your maintenance drugs, and this may be the year for members who have Medicare A and/or B to opt in to the PDP. See www.afspa.org/pdp for more details and a pricing tool.

You may wish to watch this episode for the slides we share to show the changes. Find the video at www.youtube.com/afspacares.

AFSPA Talks 2026 Open Season

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

November has begun, and that means that the start of open season is only a week away. We've got your preview of open season changes in today's episode. Be sure to follow us for further updates, as we'll be diving deeper into some of the benefit changes in the weeks ahead.

Join us for a live event to learn more about our open season changes. See your options at: www.afspa.org/events.

Our discussion today is full of references, so here are some of the links we mentioned:

FSBP Open Season Information: www.afspa.org/openseason
FSBP Drug Pricing Tool through Express Scripts: www.express-scripts.com/fsbp (Be sure to select the right year for proper pricing.)
Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP): www.benefeds.com
FSAFeds: www.fsafeds.com

AFSPA Talks Menopause

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

October is Menopause Awareness Month. In this week's episode, we discuss the symptoms of Menopause and how it can affect daily life for women. We are joined by Shardae Jackson, Senior Manager of Client Success at Maven Clinic. Maven Clinic has a Menopause and Midlife Health program that focuses on treatment for menopause stages and symptoms.

To learn more about joining Maven Clinic, please visit this page. Maven Clinic is available free of charge to all FSBP members.

To submit a question for this month's AFSPA Live on Menopause, you can do that here. You can watch AFSPA Live here.

Open Season is coming soon! Be on the lookout for our Open Season webpage. To register for webinars, click here.

AFSPA Talks Women's Pelvic Health

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Pelvic health issues can emerge in a variety of ways at any age. Often, people experiencing these issues assume that such problems are just a fact of life and do not discuss their concerns or seek treatment. Our goal for today's episode is to break down some of the taboos surrounding pelvic health issues and provide a solution from our partners at Hinge Health. Dr. Bijal Torpani, PT, DPT, joins us to discuss the Women's Pelvic Health program and how virtual physical therapy can benefit patients.

In 2025, Hinge Health is available to members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan aged 18 and older and located in the United States. We will be expanding the program to some overseas locations in 2026 - more information to come. Visit hingehealth.com/fsbp for more information or to get started today.

Visit www.afspa.org/events to register for upcoming programs from AFSPA.

AFSPA Talks 2ndMD

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Today, we answer the question of what to do when facing a serious diagnosis. Where do you turn and when? What are the next steps? FSBP members in the United States can access an expert second opinion program from 2ndMD. Nurse Kim Rebec joins us to talk about the ins and outs of this service, which is available at no charge to FSBP members in the U.S.

For more information, visit https://www.2nd.md/ or download the 2ndMD app from the App Store or Google Play.

For more information on upcoming events from AFSPA, please visit www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Breastfeeding

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Mary Rood Cunningham, a Senior Client Success Manager at Maven Clinic, and Dr. Viraj Radia, a pediatrician with Maven Clinic, join us to discuss breastfeeding's benefits, best practices, and obstacles.

To learn more about Maven Clinic and to join at no cost for FSBP Members around the globe, check out www.mavenclinic.com/join/fsbp.

Check out our Events page for free webinars and other events to stay connected with us.

Join us for AFSPA Live to discuss Resetting for the Season: Mental Health and Family Building on Thursday, August 28, at 11 AM ET. You can watch here.
If you'd like to submit a question, just ask it here.

Re-Release of AFSPA Talks Skin Cancer

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For this week's episode of AFSPA Talks, we revisit an episode from July 2023 about Skin Cancer. Now that it is summertime, we know that many of our listeners will be spending time in the sun. Skin cancer is the most common cancer. To help us understand more about skin cancer, we had Leah B. Jacobson, Sr. Medical Director at Aetna join us.

You can stay in touch with AFSPA and all we have coming up by visiting www.afspa.org/events or by following up on our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube by searching @afspacares.

Mark your calendars and join us for AFSPA Live on Thursday, 7/31 @ 11 AM ET! AFSPA's COO, Twanisha Johnson, and Greg Klingler, CFP®, CPFA™, ChFEBC℠ from GEBA, will be ready to answer your questions about Financial Wellness During Times of Transition.

Here are three ways to ask a question at the AFSPA Live Q&A Session:
1. Send any questions you want to be answered during the show by filling out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/QPzbfGB3aD
2. Leave your question(s) in the comment section of our live broadcast video.
3. Call a toll-free number 1-888-435-0757 to leave a voicemail message with your question(s). In your message, tell us your name, where you’re calling from, and state your question(s).

Re-Release of AFSPA Talks Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Happy Pride! For this week's episode, we wanted to share some information that would be helpful to members who have contacted us with questions about care and support for their children who are exploring their identities. We went back into our archive, and we're sharing an episode with Alyssa Clayden, PhD, LICSW, from the Truman Group that we originally published in June 2024.

You can stay in touch with AFSPA and all we have coming up by visiting www.afspa.org/events or by following up on our social media channels: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube at @afspacares.

Join us for AFSPA Live at 11 am ET on Thursday, June 26, on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

AFSPA Talks The Truman Group

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The recent changes to the federal workforce and the uncertainty that continues for many have resulted in mental health concerns for many with ties to federal employment - employees and family members alike. Stress, anxiety, fear, anger, and worry are all understandable reactions, but you do not have to face these challenges alone. We at AFSPA encourage you to make use of resources that may be available to you through community groups, employee assistance programs, and your health benefits.

In today's episode, we highlight the long-term partnership between the Foreign Service Benefit Plan and the Truman Group. During our interview, Diane Nickeson-Mendheim, MSW, LCSW, describes how ex-pats can access care from the Truman Group for a variety of mental and behavioral health needs.

To learn more about the Truman Group, visit https://trumangroup.com/.

For more on mental wellness programs offered through the Foreign Service Benefit Plan, please visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/manage-specific-conditions/#mental_wellness.

AFSPA Talks Chronic Care Management

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we continue our conversation from Annual Meeting about weight loss, cardiovascular health, and diabetes management. Today's focus is on Chronic Care Management Programs. To tell us more about those programs, we have Grace Silverio from Teladoc Health.

For more information about the Chronic Care Management Programs available to Foreign Service Benefit Plan members at NO COST, click here.

If you have questions about these programs, join AFSPA Live, our live Q&A session, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11 AM ET. If you would like to submit a question in advance, fill out this form.

AFSPA Talks Lifestyle and Condition Coaching

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This month, AFSPA Talks takes a look at some of the support programs available to members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. To begin, we'll discuss the Lifestyle and Condition Coaching (LCC) program with Dr. Vivian Ogueli and Leah Perry, RN. They offer details on how to complete a health risk assessment (HRA) and earn $75 in wellness incentives, utilize the LCC offerings to mitigate any health risks, meet your goals, and generally improve your health.

For more information about LCC and other support programs, please visit www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness.

AFSPA Talks Medicare and the FEHB in 2025

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In this podcast episode, AFSPA CEO, Kyle Longton provides a comprehensive overview of how Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program work together. Learn about each part of Medicare - A, B, C, and D - and what factors you should consider when deciding whether to enroll in Part B.

Please note: this presentation addresses only how Medicare and FEHB work together. It is not intended for audiences beyond those with FEHB coverage. The information is accurate as of March 4, 2025.

For information on Part B premiums and Part D premiums/IRMAA amounts, please visit: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/115....

To learn more about signing up for Medicare, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

To learn more about the Foreign Service Benefit Plan and Medicare, visit: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/

AFSPA Talks Japan Pilot Program

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Two years ago, access to on-base care for Department of Defense civilians changed, which had a particular impact on those living and working in Japan. Since then, DoD leaders have been working on a program to support the needs of civilian employees in Japan. That program launched at the beginning of this year, and we wanted to know more about how it came about, how it works, and who it helps.

Joining us to walk us through the Japan Health Insurance Enhancement Pilot are:

Susan Orsega, Deputy Assitant Secretary of Defense for Health Services Policy and Oversight, Department of Defense

Danielle McCammon, Chief, TRICARE Overseas Program

DoD Civilian employees in Japan can reach the International SOS Government Services call center in the following ways:

Call toll-free in Japan: 0120-303280
Call from outside Japan: +81 33560 8185 (not toll-free)

International callers can request a "callback" by sending an email to an email to avoid additional charges. For routine, non-urgent requests, it is best to email DODHealthcareSupport@internationalsos.com.

Please include your full name, insurance details, and phone number in the email.

Join us on January 30 at 11 am ET for AFSPA Live! You can submit your questions in advance here or join us live on YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

See our other upcoming events here: www.afspa.org/events

Links referenced in today's episode:

January 2023 episode - AFSPA Talks Care in Japan

October 7, 2024, Press Release from DoD on Pilot: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3927934/dod-announces-health-care-supplement-program-pilot-for-dod-civilian-employees-i/

January 16, 2025 Article from U.S. Forces Japan on Pilot Program: https://www.usfj.mil/Media/Press-Releases/Article-View/Article/4031045/dod-launches-247-health-care-support-for-dod-civilian-employees-in-japan/

AFSPA Overseas Care Details: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/

Searchable List of AFSPA Overseas Direct Billing Providers: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/overseas-partners/

AFSPA Talks Tips for New Members

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With Open Season over and a new year underway, hosts Kyle Longton and Maddie Norton use the first episode of 2025 to provide tips for the 10,000 new FSBP members and the more than 100,000 continuing members. Here are links to the resources they mentioned during this episode:

AFSPA Website: www.afspa.org

Online Portals for FSBP Members (including demo videos): https://www.afspa.org/online-member-portals/

FSBP Provider Search Tool: www.afspa.org/fsbp/provider

Teladoc Health (telehealth in the U.S.): https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/#telehealth-us

vHealth (Worldwide) (telehealth outside the U.S.): https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/#telehealth-overseas

AFSPA Annual Meeting: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ap2pSvh2nz0z7F5_7HFrAs6bwKbNUGLVGNVLf2PvrJvlxnY-fkp_~Agq7R07nRuUtjQNzMHfAgYQfhknsFMKrig226MqCMLSGs9totE2UdR3hQA

Socials:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/afspacares
Instagram - @afspacares
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/afspa/

AFSPA's other programs: www.afspa.org/aip

Other AFSPA Events: www.afspa.org/events

Please join us on January 30 at 11am ET on YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn for AFSPA Live! Send your questions here: https://lnkd.in/eK2VsF9u

AFSPA Talks 2025 Open Season

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0500

It's November, which means Federal Benefits Open Season is almost here. Today, Maddie and Kyle discuss health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and flexible spending account options before diving into changes for the Foreign Service Benefit Plan for 2025.

This is just the start of AFSPA's Open Season work. Please find more information at www.afspa.org/openseason.

Join us for a webinar or other event throughout Open Season. You can find the full list of webinars at www.afspa.org/events.

View our past recordings of podcasts and AFSPA Live events at www.youtube.com/afspacares.

To learn more about the open enrollment period through December 1, 2024, for our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) and Immediate Benefit Plan (IBP) programs, visit www.afspa.org/life.

AFSPA Talks Life Insurance for Millennials

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), and we are kicking things off with a focus on millennials. With our guest, Nicole Devlin from Prudential, we discuss the needs of this population and why now might be the best time for them to consider this important part of their financial portfolio.

This episode is just the start of a busy month. Join us for more events, all available at www.afspa.org/events.

What You Should Know About Life Insurance webinar on 9/17 at 8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM ET. Register here.
Senior Living Foundation's Planning for Change Seminar on 9/24 at 1 PM ET at AFSPA Headquarters. Register here.
Prudential Financial Wellness Checkups on 9/24 and 9/25. Register here.
AFSPA Live on 9/26 at 11 AM ET about AFSPA Life Insurance Plans. Watch live at youtube.com/afspacares.
For more information on AFSPA's life insurance programs, visit www.afspa.org/life.

AFSPA Talks Navigating Back to School

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It’s August, and for many families, that means preparing for a return to school. This can be a challenge for kids and parents. Changing routines, decreasing free time, and, for many of our members, new locations can make for bumpy August and September. Our guests today, working from Brightline Health, will provide some strategies for families to ease the return to school for everyone.

Learn more about Brightline Health and sign up for it at www.hellowbrightline.com/fsbp. (Brightline is considered an in-network provider with FSBP. Services are available to FSBP members in the U.S. only. Calendar year deductible and coinsurance apply.)

Dr. Kendra Read is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Vice President of Therapy at Brightline. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her internship in pediatric psychology at Nemours Hospital for Children and her postdoctoral fellowship at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department. Previously, she served as the Director of the Mood & Anxiety Program and Director of Anxiety Programs at Seattle Children’s Hospital, as well as the Director of Psychotherapy Training at the University of Washington School of Medicine Child Psychiatry Fellowship. Dr. Read specializes in the treatment of youth with anxiety disorders and OCD from a cognitive behavioral therapy perspective. She is highly invested in increasing access to evidence-based behavioral health interventions for youth and their families.

Irene Biscante is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and the Vice President of Coaching at Brightline. She holds a bachelor's degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Education and Promotion from Brigham Young University - Idaho and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Therapy at Northcentral University. With over seven years of experience in health and behavior change startups such as Noom, Omada Health, and Sanvello Health, Irene has specialized in scaling evidence-based and personalized behavioral coaching through 1:1 video sessions, secured chat, and group/peer sessions. Irene was part of the early team at Brightline where she established the Behavioral Health Coaching function, built the coaching team, co-created coaching programs using evidence-based tools and practices, and developed quality oversight programs to ensure safe and high quality care services at Brightline. With behavioral coaching as an emerging field and a brand new service offering for youth, she successfully transitioned this offering from a direct-to-consumer, out-of-pocket service to a service covered by health plans and employers due to strong care outcomes across all ages. Prior to joining Brightline, Irene served as a coach manager at Noom Inc., where she managed teams, led hiring and onboarding processes, and was a founding internal faculty member in the company’s accredited national board certification program for health coaches. She has coached thousands of individuals both in-person and across digital platforms on a national and international scale. Irene is passionate about expanding access to mental health services independent of income or social status, developing coaches, behavior specialists, and health educators to focus on youth mental health using evidence-based and culturally competent care practices, and reshaping the narrative around youth and family mental health through proactive prevention, early intervention strategies, and behavior change initiatives.

AFSPA Talks Overseas Telehealth Services

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with John McQuillan from Teladoc Health UK. He walks us through the care and consultation options available to Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members outside the U.S. for general medical and mental health needs. He offers some examples that will be familiar to many of our members worldwide.

These benefits are branded as vHealth (Worldwide) in the FSBP Brochure Sections 5(a) and 5(e): https://www.afspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024_FSBP_Brochure_-RI-72-001_Final_1.8.2024.pdf.

To access the Teladoc Health services outside the U.S. - branded as vHealth under FSBP benefits, download the vHealth (Worldwide) app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You also can visit https://vhealth-teladochealth.com/en. To reach them by phone, call +1-857-256-3784 (U.S.) or +44-20-3499-2851 (UK).

AFSPA Talks Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

It's Pride Month, and we're talking with Alyssa Clayden, PhD, LCSW. She first joined us in 2021 to discuss support for LGBTQ+ youth, and we're exploring the same topic in this episode. Our focus is on how parents and other family members and allies can support children and adolescents who are exploring their identities in terms of sexual attraction and gender identity. We take some time to discuss what parents may experience and how this support can be different in the U.S. and overseas.

Alyssa is a provider with The Truman Group - https://trumangroup.com/ - long time partners of AFSPA/FSBP. We appreciate their partnership in providing our members with access to mental health care around the globe and making today's episode possible.

For more information on benefits and programs available to FSBP members, please visit www.afspa.org/fsbp.

Some resources that may be helpful to our listeners:

glifaa - LGBTQIA+ pride in foreign affairs agencies - https://glifaa.org/

The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Foreign Service Youth Foundation - LGBT in the Foreign Service - https://www.fsyf.org/LGBT

AFSPA Talks Mental Health Coaching

Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

May is mental health awareness month. Just as many factors can influence our mental health, there are a variety of support programs and treatment options to explore. Today, we welcome Jennifer Pertofsky-Plotnek, LCSW-C, CDCES, NCB-HWC. She is currently the Director of Coaching at Teladoc Health. Jennifer talks us through the differences between counseling and coaching. She provides details on the coaching available to Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members at no cost through two Teladoc Health programs: myStrength and chronic care management (formerly Livongo).

Links:

FSBP members can access Teladoc's programs, including myStrength and chronic care management and mental health counseling, through www.teladochealth.com or through the Teladoc Health app, available in the App Store and through Google Play.

Other access options include:

FSBP members aged 13 and older can enroll in myStrength at www.mystrength.com, select "Sign-up," and enter the access code "FSBP."

To access the chronic care management programs (formerly known as Livongo), members can visit http://get.livongo.com/FSBP. You can enroll in diabetes management, hypertension management, and/or weight management.

Chronic care management and myStrength are available worldwide.

For more details, please review the 2024 FSBP Brochure at https://www.afspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024_FSBP_Brochure_-RI-72-001_Final_1.8.2024.pdf.

AFSPA Talks Medicare PDP FAQs

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode, AFSPA CEO Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC addresses some of the most frequent questions AFSPA has received about the FSBP Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or PDP. While he touches on some basics of the PDP, you can learn more about the specific PDP benefits from our October 23, 2023 podcast and our November 30, 2023 AFSPA Live (see links below).

Kyle will address questions about Medicare during AFSPA Live on March 30, 2024 at 11 ET. If you would like your question to be answered live, submit your question here: https://forms.office.com/r/jPzsTE0TKz

Links:

FSBP Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan webpage: www.afspa.org/pdp

October 23, 2023, AFSPA Talks PDP: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1756283/13816947

November 30, AFSPA Live on PDP: https://www.youtube.com/live/n-9IAB-c2cY?si=Ej5OuciIfM7tGqxM

Medicare Part D IRMAA Information: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/monthly-premium-for-drug-plans

Social Security Administration Contact Page: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/

AFSPA Events: www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA Talks Medicare and the FEHB

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode, AFSPA CEO Kyle Longton provides a comprehensive overview of how Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program work together. Learn about each part of Medicare - A, B, C, and D - and what factors you should consider when deciding whether to enroll in Part B.

Please note: this presentation addresses only how Medicare and FEHB work together. It is not intended for audiences beyond those with FEHB coverage. The information is accurate as of March 2024.

For information on Part B premiums and Part D premiums/IRMAA amounts, please visit: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11579-medicare-costs.pdf.

To learn more about signing up for Medicare, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

AFSPA Talks Freedom Fertility Pharmacy

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

With this episode, we continue our February focus on fertility. For some people receiving treatment for diagnoses of infertility, prescription drugs can account for half the costs of their treatment. Ensuring on-time delivery of the drugs, understanding how to administer them, and having a resource for understanding the side effects are key to one's starting any new drug therapy. FSBP has partnered with Freedom Fertility Pharmacy, part of the Evernorth family, to provide all of this and more to our members in the U.S. Today, we have two experts from Freedom joining us to talk about their services for FSBP members.

For more information, please visit www.freedomfertility.com

Coverage of medications may be subject to prior approval and prior authorization of fertility services by the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.

For prior approval of comprehensive infertility and ART services, whether services are rendered in the U.S. or outside the U.S., please contact the Plan’s infertility care manager line at 800-593-2354. Prior approval is required for services received in the U.S. and outside the U.S.

Please see our January 2024 episode on Maven to learn more about their support for infertility, maternity, and more.

Join us on February 29 at 11 am ET for AFSPA Live and a discussion focused on fertility.

Join us on March 1 at 11 am ET for AFSPA's Annual Meeting.

More information on all upcoming events at www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA Talks Contraception Coverage

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Our focus for the month of February is on fertility. We'll have more content later this month about the enhanced infertility coverage under the Foreign Service Benefit Plan for 2024. Today, though, we are talking about coverage for contraception. All of the information in the podcast comes from Sections 5a, 5b, and 5f and Section 7 of the 2024 FSBP Brochure available at https://www.afspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024_FSBP_Brochure_-RI-72-001_Final_1.8.2024.pdf.

To initiate the contraceptive exception process, members can call Express Scripts at 800-841-2734.

AFSPA Talks Virtual Primary Care

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we discuss a new solution from Teladoc. Lisa DeLarso joins us to share about Virtual Primary Care.

Primary360 is a virtual primary care solution that inspires lasting relationships between people and care providers through longitudinal care plans, continuous care team support, and a unified, whole-person experience. Primary360 offers a solution that isn’t always available with traditional care—including personalization, flexibility, choice, convenience, and care coordination. From the new patient visit to every checkup afterward, Primary360 allows people to be fully supported by a care team across their healthcare needs.

For more information about virtual primary care, please visit Teladoc.com/Aetna or call 1-855-835-2362.

Please note that the virtual primary care program is available only to FSBP members physically located in the United States.

AFSPA Talks Maven

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

To kick off our 2024 podcasts, we have an episode focused on one of the new programs available to FSBP members: Maven Clinic. Maven is a comprehensive virtual care platform providing critical support across fertility, pregnancy, adoption, parenting, pediatrics, and ongoing care including all stages of menopause. This program became available to FSBP members on January 1 at no cost.

Marcy Cuneo and Teresa Wilkinson from Maven join AFSPA Talks to provide an overview of what Maven offers and how their care model works. Maven leaders will join us for AFSPA Live on February 29 at 11 am ET. See www.afspa.org/events for all of our upcoming events.

To learn more about Maven, go to http://mavenclinic.com/join/FSBP

See the 2024 FSBP Brochure for full details of infertility coverage.

Please note that all infertility services, whether received in the U.S. or overseas, require prior approval. Call 800-593-2354 before scheduling services.

You also can connect with fertility advocates by calling 833-415-1709.

AFSPA Talks 2024 Open Season FAQs

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

With today's episode, we address the most frequently asked questions on open season. A panel of AFSPA experts joins to provide answers and clarity on changes for 2024.

For more information on open season, please visit www.afspa.org/openseason

To contact the infertility prior approval line, call 1-800-593-2354.

To contact the Plan's fertility advocate, call 1-833-415-1709.

For more information about the FSBP Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, visit www.afspa.org/pdp. You will find the form there to opt out.

For more on our direct billing partners, visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/overseas-partners/.

For more information on dental, life, and disability insurance programs offered by AFSPA, visit www.afspa.org/aip.

AFSPA Talks Open Season 2024

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Today, Kyle and Maddie discuss the 2024 open season with a particular focus on the improvements under FSBP. In particular, their discussion focuses on:

Increases in the allowance for alternative benefits: massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic services;
Expansion in the coverage of infertility services; and
The new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)

Don't miss other upcoming open-season events. Find all of our events at www.afspa.org/events.

We couldn't fit all the information into the podcast, so here are some links with more information:

AFSPA/FSBP Open Season information: www.afspa.org/openseason
FSBP-Express Scripts Prescription Drug Plan (PDP): www.afspa.org/pdp
Prior approval line for Comprehensive Infertility and ART: 800-593-2354
Fertility Advocate: 833-415-1709
Gender Affirming Surgical prior approval: 800-593-2354

AFSPA Talks ADHD

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

There are an increasing number of diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. Despite the prevalence of this diagnosis, many do not understand this condition. Today, we welcome a health coach from Brightline Health who will walk through the basics of ADHD including behaviors, symptoms and treatments. Our guest discusses the support offered by Brightline Health, an in-network, stateside provider for Foreign Service Benefit Plan members.

Learn more and sign up for Brightline at www.hellobrightline.com/fsbp

Check out our latest blog about ADHD at afspa.org/blogs.

Find information about FSBP changes for 2024 and events around open season at www.afspa.org/openseason

Our full events calendar is available at www.afspa.org/events.

AFSPA Talks Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Beginning in January 2024, many Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plans will be offering a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to their members. The Foreign Service Benefit Plan will be among them. This program will result in savings for our members aged 65 and older. Join us for a detailed discussion of PDPs generally and the specifics of the FSBP PDP.

Mark your calendars for two upcoming discussions of the FSBP PDP:

October 31, at 12 noon ET - We will offer a live webinar with an overview of the PDP and a chance for you to ask your questions.

November 30 at 11 am ET - Our monthly AFSPA Talks program will focus on the PDP and offer another opportunity for you to get answers about this program.

You can learn more at www.afspa.org/fsbp/pdp.

If you have questions about the benefits under the PDP, please contact the dedicated Express Scripts line at 855-690-8353, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information on Medicare Part D premiums, please visit https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/monthly-premium-for-drug-plans. Please see the 2024 chart at the bottom of the page (based on 2022 income).

AFSPA Talks Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

In 2021, we offered an episode diving into the various options that are available for long-term care insurance. Shortly after we aired that program, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIS or LTCFEDS) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments and changes to existing enrollments, and the stoppage is expected to last through at least December 2024. At the same time, the program is going through a contract renewal which is resulting in premium increases for many enrollees.

This week, we welcome back Federal retiree and benefits expert Tammy Flanagan of Retire Federal. She breaks down the basics of LTC insurance, how the Federal program works, what these rate increases may mean, and the options LTCFEDS enrollees have as these changes occur. Don't miss this informative episode on a widely used Federal program.

Links:

Retire Federal - https://www.retirefederal.com/

Tammy's previous episode on Federal Retirement Planning - https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/11388923-afspa-talks-federal-retirement-planning

AFSPA Talks Long Term Care Insurance episode - https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/9592735-afspa-talks-long-term-care

Tammy's podcast "Plan Your Federal Retirement" - https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/podcasts/

AFSPA Talks Women's Pelvic Health

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Today, AFSPA welcomes Dr. Kandis Daroski, PT, DPT, to our show to discuss a new offering from Hinge Health: their Women's Pelvic Health program. Dr. Kandis talks through common pelvic floor issues and how they manifest themselves and how they are typically treated (or more commonly not). She then talks through the innovative solution offered for treating pelvic floor disorders - remote exercise and physical therapy from Hinge Health. This program is available to FSBP members beginning October 1, 2023.

Visit https://hinge.health/fsbp-podcast to learn more about all the programs from Hinge Health.

Find more information about how meditation can help with pelvic health: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pain-and-the-whole-body/202309/how-meditation-can-support-pelvic-health

Register for a Hinge Health webinar to learn more: https://hingehealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/7616960129707/WN_nNXZdYArRpu56qeUXqkmzA
Did you know that many women experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) for years without realizing it? Join Dr. Kandis Daroski and Dr. Bijal Toprani, two pelvic health experts from Hinge Health, for an insightful discussion about pelvic health and how to care for it.

Please note: This webinar is designed for those with female vaginal anatomy and is hosted by Hinge Health, a covered insurance benefit that employees on certain healthcare plans have access to. Please confirm with your employer if you qualify for Hinge Health.

AFSPA Talks Back to School Mental Health

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0400

For many of us, the end of August means a return to school. That transition can come with a number of changes and challenges. Today, we explore some of the mental health challenges that may arise and how parents can promote mental wellness for their kids of all ages. Jodi Harris, LCSW, of Active and Connected Family Therapy brings her unique experience as both a mental health professional working with Foreign Service families and an EFM herself to the discussion.

Jodi also will be our guest on AFSPA Live at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 31. Join us on YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Resources discussed on today's show:

Good Inside by Becky Kennedy: https://www.goodinside.com/book/

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/

Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David C. Pollock and Ruth Van Reken: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121920.Third_Culture_Kids

Foreign Service Youth Foundation: https://www.fsyf.org/

Active & Connected Families Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-connected-families/id1547081877

Families in Global Transition: https://www.figt.org/

AFSPA Talks Skin Cancer

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Skin cancer is the most common cancer and 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. As we spend more time in the sun due to summertime, it is important to know the different types of skin cancer, how to prevent it, and what treatments are available. To help us understand more about skin cancer, we have Leah B. Jacobson, Sr. Medical Director at Aetna joining us.

Links discussed in today's episode:
UV Awareness blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog/unveiling-the-dangers-of-uv-rays/
Everybody Deserves a Massage blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog/get-a-massage-on-us-you-deserve-it/
Teladoc: https://teladoc.com/

If you haven't already, make sure you have completed the Foreign Service Benefit Plan Member Satisfaction survey! You can find the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/mm30TVftrN

AFSPA Talks Travel Insurance

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It's summer, and for many of us, that means some travel. These days, travel is rarely without some interruption or challenge, and there's help available when the unexpected becomes inevitable. AFSPA's Sr. Director for Ancillary Insurance Programs Adrienne Seabrooks joins us to help demystify travel insurance and tell us what to look for when considering policies.

This month, AFSPA wants to see your best vacation or travel photos. The photos don't have to be from 2023, and they don't have to include you (but we encourage it). Ten people will be selected to win a FREE AFSPA Surprise Pack. There are two ways to enter:

Tag @afspacares on Facebook or Instagram in your favorite vacation or travel photos. Make sure to include the hashtag "#AFSPATravelAdventure" to have your photo considered.
Email your photos to outreach@afspa.org.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 24, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST. We will select the winners in the first week of August and notify them by email.

Links discussed in today's episode:

AFSPA's travel insurance plans: www.afspa.org/travel

CDC Traveler's Health site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/

AFSPA Talks Autism Awareness

Mon, 15 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

This episode has been in the works for more than a month. April was Autism Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 36 people are diagnosed with autism, but many of us understand little about the diagnosis. Today, Heather Buzbee of Brightline Health joins us to share her experience as a practitioner and a parent and help us understand this condition. In this interview, we learn about diagnoses, the uniqueness of each person diagnosed with autism, prevalent struggles faced by people with autism, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a brief discussion of mental illness and suicidality in this episode.

Learn more about Brightline Health at www.hellobrightline.com/fsbp

For support with autism and other needs, contact the FSBP Care Management Team at 1-800-593-2354.

#autism #autismawareness

AFSPA Talks Mental Health, Women’s Health, and More

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

This week, we bring you an overview of health topics for the month of May: Mental Health Awareness Month, Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Better Speech and Hearing Month, and Women’s Health Week. There are a number of programs mentioned in this episode, and here are links to those:

AFSPA’s events calendar: www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA’s blog: www.afspa.org/blogs

myStrength: www.mystrength.com – access code FSBP

AbleTo: www.AbleTo.com

Brightline: www.hellobrightline.com/FSBP

Teladoc (U.S.): www.teladoc.com/Aetna

vHealth (overseas): www.vhealth-teladochealth.com/en

Truman Group: https://trumangroup.com/

Livongo: http://get.livongo.com/FSBP

Lifestyle and Condition Coaching Program: www.myactivehealth.com/FSBP

Hearing Aid Discount Program: www.afspa.org/aip - Discount Care Programs

AFSPA Talks Infertility Awareness

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

A recent WHO study concluded that 1 in 6 adults around the world experiences infertility in their lifetime. Procedures for diagnosing and treating infertility have come a long way in recent decades, and health insurance coverage around these procedures continues to evolve. In 2023, the Foreign Service Benefit Plan ( FSBP) offered coverage of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures for the first time.

In this episode, we share with you again an interview with Dr. Jordan Pritzker on the topics of infertility and treatment initially shared in December 2022.

FSBP Prior approval for ART procedures - 800-923-2220
FSBP Fertility Advocate - 833-415-1709
Institutes of Excellence (IOE) Infertility Providers - www.aetnainfertilitycare.com

AFSPA Talks COVID-19 Three Years Later

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Today, we bring you something a bit different than our typical episode. It was just over three years ago, in March 2020, when COVID-19 profoundly changed life for most of us. The last three years had profound effects on healthcare around the world - how it's delivered, how data is used, and how we approach issues at a population level.

Dr. Timothy Foggin of Teladoc Health Canada brings his experience and expertise in family medicine, population health, and international healthcare management to this topic. The discussion covers issues of population health, pandemic preparation, telehealth, and the future of care delivery.

AFSPA Talks About More Than Health

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0500

This week we shift our focus from FSBP to everything else AFSPA does. Sr. Dir. of Ancillary Insurance Programs Adrienne Coleman-Seabrooks provides an overview of our other offerings, from insurance to professional services. Listen for a special announcement about our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) program.

For more information about AIP offerings, visit AFSPA.org/AIP.

AFSPA Talks Welcome to FSBP

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

This week, we have an episode that may be of particular interest to the 1,700+ new enrollees who joined FSBP during open season: an overview of the Plan and how it works. We also included a bit about the changes for 2023 for long-time members. Learn more about some of the features mentioned in this episode:

Changes for 2023: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/new-for-2023/

FSBP Wellness Programs: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/

FSBP Prescription Drugs Coverage: https://www.afspa.org/prescriptions/

FSBP Overseas Care: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/

Contact a nurse care manager at 800-593-2354

AFSPA Talks Care in Japan

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Recent changes in access to military treatment facilities (MTFs) have had an outsize effect on DoD civilians in Japan. This episode reviews coverage and programs available to members in Japan - and in many cases around the world - and how to access these benefits.

For more information about vHealth, please visit https://vhealth-teladochealth.com/en.

For more information about Livongo chronic condition support, visit get.livongo.com/FSBP

For a list of our overseas direct billing partners, visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/.

AFSPA Talks Support for New Year's Resolutions

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! In our first AFSPA Talks episode of 2023, AFSPA COO and host, Kyle Longton, discusses some common New Year's resolutions and the programs AFSPA offers to help you keep them. You can find a full outline of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan wellness programs at https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/.

For more information on the Financial Wellness Program, click here.

AFSPA Talks We'll Be Back on January 23rd

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year! AFSPA Talks is taking a quick break on doing a full episode this week, but we’ll be back in two weeks with a full episode airing on Monday, Jan 23rd where we’ll be talking about the post-holiday blues and the wellness programs we offer to help Foreign Service Benefit Plan members and their dependents. This includes programs like our digital coaching and our Lifestyle and Condition Coaching Program, so stay tuned!

Don’t forget to join us for our AFSPA Live broadcast on our YouTube channel @afspacareson Thursday, Jan 26that 11:00am ET where we will be answering your questions about the new FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan which we started offering this year

AFSPA Talks Health Habits during the Holidays

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

The holidays are upon us, and they bring with them tasty treats and stress. Managing our health this time of year can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. To provide some ways to be kind to ourselves while remaining healthy this holiday season, we welcome Grace Silverio, BSN, CDCES, RN, MSN, Director of Solution Strategy for Teladoc Health and a subject matter expert for chronic conditions.

For more information on Livongo chronic condition solutions, visit https://www.get.livongo.com/fsbp

For more on the wellness programs available to FSBP members, visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/.

AFSPA Talks Open Season FAQs

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

With only one week left of open season, host Kyle Longton turns to some of his colleagues for help answering your most frequent questions. We touch on general information about FEHB, FEDVIP, and FSAFEDS before digging into FSBP wellness incentives and ending with a lightening round on the FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Program. Some of the websites discussed in this episode include:

FEDVIP information: www.benefeds.com

FSAFEDS: www.fsafeds.com

FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan: www.fsbphealth.com/retiree

FSBP Open Season Information: www.afspa.org/openseason

AFSPA Open Season Webinars: www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA Talk's ART Procedure

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In 2023, AFSPA is offering coverage for ART procedures under the Foreign Service Benefit Plan for the first time. Today we delve into not only this coverage but also causes of infertility and the various treatments, including ART procedures. OB/GYN Jordan Pritzker, MD, MBA, FACOG, joins us to share his expertise in this area and talk us through what individual might experience as they seek to grow their families.

For more information on infertility and mental health and personal family formation journeys, scroll back to our June episodes in your feed.

AFSPA Talks FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This week, we offer a preview of our new FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage
Plan, a new option within FSBP for members with Medicare Parts A and B.
Learn about the special features in this plan, including Silver Sneakers and
Part B premium reductions of up to $900 per year. Also, gain an
understanding of how this plan differs from the Foreign Service Benefit Plan
you know already.

Use the following resources to make an informed choice and find out if the FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan is for you:

General Open Season Webinars:
www.afspa.org/events

AFSPA Open Season Information:
www.afspa.org/openseason

Information on the FSBP-Aetna
Medicare Advantage Plan:
www.fspbhealth.com/retiree

Webinars on the FSBP-Aetna Medicare
Advantage Plan: www.fsbphealth.com/webinars

FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan
Questions: call 1-866-241-0262
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET

AFSPA Talks Episode on Medicare Advantage Plans:
https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/10104318-afspa-talks-medicareadvantage-plans

AFSPA Talks Open Season

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

In this episode, COO Kyle Longton takes you through some general information about the upcoming open season before focusing on the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. Learn what's staying the same for 2023 and what enhancements are coming in the new year - including new benefits and incentives focused on maternal health, coverage for ART procedures, and a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Check out www.afpsa.org/openseason for more information and a schedule for our Open Season live webinars. We hope you can join us to have your questions answered.

AFSPA Talks TherapEase Cuisine

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we continue our month-long focus on breast cancer with an examination of nutritional needs while undergoing cancer treatment. Kerry Coughlin, RD, CSO and Rebecca Philipps, PharmD join us to discuss this topic and support available from TherapEase Cuisine, a program available to patients who fill their cancer medications at Accredo Specialty Pharmacy.

To learn more and enroll in the program, visit www.TherapEaseCuisine.com

AFSPA Talks Cancer Support Programs

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode, AFSPA Talks Cancer Support Programs.

AFSPA Talks Breast Cancer Awareness

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we kick off a month-long focus on breast cancer awareness. Melissa Wolf, MS, NP-C, AOCNP, joins us. As an Assistant Medical Director for PinnacleCare, she brings her expertise to provide an introduction to breast cancer: what do we mean when we say cancer, risk factors, early detection and prevention, treatment options, and when and how to get a second opinions. Melissa also will be our guest for AFSPA Live on October 27 at 11am ET.

AFSPA Talks Federal Retirement Planning

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, federal benefits expert, Tammy Flanagan, joins AFSPA COO Kyle Longton, to talk about the importance of retirement planning and the work she does at Retire Federal. She walks through the broad considerations for any federal employee as they consider their future after retirement before diving into the often-complicated topic of life insurance within the FEGLI program. You can see Tammy's work elsewhere at:

Retire Federal: https://www.retirefederal.com/
For Your Benefit (Federal News Network): https://federalnewsnetwork.com/category/radio-interviews/fyb-archives/
Government Executive: https://www.govexec.com/voices/tammy-flanagan/2340/
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/podcasts/

AFSPA Talks Financial Planning and Wealth Management

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

This week AFSPA Talks Financial Planning and Wealth Management with Greg Klingler, COO and VP, Wealth Management at GEBA. Greg holds a number of designations and licenses, including Certified Financial Planner, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, and the Chartered Federal Benefits Consultant Designation. You can learn more at www.gebawealth.com

Disclaimer:
Securities offered by Cape Securities Inc, Member FINRA, SIPC.
Managed money offered through Cape Securities Advisory.
Past returns do not guarantee future results. The views expressed within this podcast should not be considered a personalized recommendation. If you desire specific recommendations, please contact a financial advisor who will consider your financials, risk tolerance and investment time horizon prior to advising on potential solutions.

AFSPA Talks MASHUP - Life Insurance

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 17:00:00 -0400

On this episode of AFSPA Talks, we combined two of our previously recorded episodes about Disability, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you're interested in learning even more about life insurance, check out our blog at afspa.org/blogs.

AFSPA Talks Children's Behavioral Health

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On this episode, AFSPA Talks Children's Behavioral Health with Alison Stoner and Honora Einhorn, two senior clinical managers with Brightline Health. They discuss ways parents and caregivers can support healthy behavioral emotional and social development, the effect of COVID on kids of all ages, signs that may indicate a need for care or intervention, and the network of care professionals in a child's life. They also spend time talking about Brightline and the three-tiered approach this new FSBP partner offers.

Learn more about Brightline at www.hellobrightline.com/fsbp.

AFSPA Talks Summer Break

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we take a break to prepare for future podcast episodes. In the meantime, feel free to listen to any of our past episodes! We look forward to sharing a brand new episode with you next week on August 22!

AFSPA Talks Newborn Children's Health

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we begin our month-long conversation about children's health care. This episode include excerpts from past episodes where COO Kyle Longton talk to pediatric experts about the beginning stages of children's health care - from preparing to welcome a child into your family, to the importance of well-child visits, recommended vaccines, and where to get resources.

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan covers well-child visits and CDC recommended children vaccines at 100% when seen by an in-network provider. Visit afspa.org/fsbp for more information.

Visit kidshealth.org for resources on children's health care.

AFSPA Talks Telehealth Overseas

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 01:00:00 -0400

For today's episode, Kyle recorded an interview with John McQuillan, General Manager, Insurance-UK, Teladoc Health. The two discussed the overseas telehealth options available to FSBP members through vHealth. They delved into general medicine, mental health, and even the logistics of how visits work and the outcomes of members who have used the program in the past. Stayed tuned at the end for the full benefit information or visit https://vhealth-teladochealth.com/en to register for the program.

AFSPA Talks FSBP Overseas Care

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we continue our theme of overseas care by focusing on the benefits, programs, and service offered through the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. AFSPA CEO Paula Jakub walks through a bit of the history of the Plan before diving into coverage, special features, and unique ways in which AFSPA supports its overseas members. Later, Sr. Director of Compliance Stefon Nicely provides an overview of the AFSPA's partnerships with overseas providers.

Helpful inks:

FSBP Overseas Coverage: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/
FSBP Overseas Partners: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/overseas-partners/

AFSPA Talks Overseas Care

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0400

To kick off a month-long focus on overseas care, State Department Chief Medical Officer Larry Padget joins us to talk about the work of the Bureau of Medical Services (MED). Learn about the structure of a mission's Health Unit, the work of regional medical officers and medical providers, and the basics of a MEDEVAC situation. MED serves as the medical home for tens of thousands, and Dr. Padget provides an inside look for the rest of us.

AFSPA Talks Family Formation Journeys

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, members of the Foreign Service community join to share their journeys with growing their families. Their stories of adoption, IVF, and surrogacy highlight the challenges and joys that each family experienced. In celebration of Pride Month, we are proud to feature stories from the LGBTQ+ community about their Family Formation Journeys. Thank you to glifaa (Gays, and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs agencies) for their help in putting this episode together.

For more information about the Institutes of Excellence Infertility Providers mentioned at the end of the episode, please visit www.aentainfertilitycare.com.

AFSPA Talks Infertility and Mental Health

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Today AFSPA Talks kicks off a month-long focus on infertility and family formation with a focus on the mental health. Experiencing challenges conceiving, facing a diagnosis of infertility, and considering ways to expand your family including ART procedures and adoption have effects beyond physical health. They can cause depression and anxiety, put strain on relationships, and more. Our guest today, Alicia Janik, PsyD, addresses the broad effects of infertility and family formation on our mental health.

If you missed our first AFSPA Live, please visit: www.youtube.com/afspacares

Resources: www.postpartum.net www.resolve.org
Coping With Infertility, Miscarriage, and Neonatal Loss: Finding Perspective and Creating Meaning by Amy Wenzel
PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773

AFSPA Talks Financial Wellness

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

As we wrap up our focus on AFSPA's AIP options, Vishal Jain from Prudential joins us to discuss Financial Wellness. Learn about the connections between financial and mental wellness and how Prudential's Financial Wellness Program - available at no cost to all AFSPA members - can help you manager your daily spending, pay down debt, and plan for the future.

For more information about this program, visit: https://www.afspa.org/professionalservices/#Financial_Wellness.

If you missed our first AFSPA Live, please visit: www.youtube.com/afspacares

AFSPA Talks Life and AD&D Insurance

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton talks about Life Insurance. Do you know the differences between term, whole, and universal life insurance? Nina Matias from Prudential does, and she’s back to share her expertise. This time, she talks about life and AD&D insurance. Find out about evolutions in the types of plans available and what considerations to take into account when deciding your coverage needs.

For information about AFSPA’s life insurance plans, please visit www.afspa.org/life.

AFSPA Talks Discount Care Programs

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton talks about AFSPA’s Discount Care Program. Valerie DeBruin, VP of Network Operations for Careington and Dr. Joan Waldron discuss the discount plans - their value and how they work. Dr. Waldron also provides great information about the important of preventative dental care. For more information on AFSPA’s Discount Care Program, click here.

AFSPA Talks AIP: Intro to AIP Month

Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton and Adrienne Seabrooks, Director of Ancillary Insurance Programs at AFSPA, talk about some of the unique AIP programs AFSPA offers. This is a preview of four episodes in our “Focus on AIP” podcast series. To learn more about AFSPA’s Ancillary Insurance Programs (AIP), visit our website at afspa.org/aip. Watch this quick video to see how some of our most important ancillary programs came to be.

AFSPA Talks Overseas Virtual Opinion

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton has an in-depth discussion with Dr. Peter Rasmussen, MD, Chief Clinical Officer at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Susan Scott, Director of Client Services at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic about our partnership with Cleveland Clinic for the overseas virtual second opinion program.

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan has a special arrangement with Cleveland Clinic to provide a Virtual Second Opinion to patients who receive treatment in foreign countries. This program allows expert specialists from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic to review your medical diagnosis and treatment remotely. With 3,500 experts in over 550 advanced subspecialties, you can get help with nearly any health challenge.

To request a Virtual Second Opinion for treatment received outside the U.S., simply email secondopinion@aetna.com. You may be asked to submit medical history and answer questions specific to your diagnosis. You also may need to gather information from your local physician or hospital, such as pathology (biopsy) slides or X-rays, and upload them to the site as instructed.

You will be matched to the most appropriate Cleveland Clinic expert specialist who will review your medical history and original tests before rendering an informational second opinion. You will receive notification by e-mail within five calendar days that the opinion is ready for you to view online via a secure website.

AFSPA Talks Medicare Advantage Plans

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton has an in-depth discussion on Medicare Advantage Plans and how they work together with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and commercial plans, with John H. Ficaro, Vice President of Aetna Group Retiree & De-Risking Solutions. This is the last episode of our "Focus on Medicare" podcast series.

If you missed the first two episodes of this series, below are the links to listen to each episode.

AFSPA Talks Medicare & the FEHB
AFSPA Talks Medicare, Tricare & the FEHB

AFSPA Talks Medicare, Tricare, and the FEHB

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton discusses Medicare, Tricare, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and how they work together with Rear Adm. Christine Hunter (Ret.), MD Former Chief Medical Officer, OPM Co-Chair, NCQA Committee on Performance Measurement. AFSPA CEO, Paula S. Jakub, RHU also joins the conversation to give us more information on how Medicare coordinates benefits with the other two programs.

Below are some helpful links:

AFSPA webinar on Medicare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDzJnt4Rf6k
Medicare Overview: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/
OPM information on overseas coverage: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/important-facts-about-overseas-coverage/
Military Officers Association of American Post on Medicare and TRICARE for Life: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2021-news-articles/65-and-beyond-understanding-medicare-and-tricare-for-life/
Tricare4u: www.tricare4u.com
TRICARE: www.tricare.mil

AFSPA Talks Medicare & the FEHB

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, CEO, Paula Jakub brings us through a discussion on Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and how they work together. Paula talks about Medicare regulations, benefit coordination, how to differentiate between Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, and how the FEHB coverage works for federal retirees who do not take Medicare.

We highly encourage you to follow along with the visual slides from our recorded webinar presentation at Medicare & the FEHB - Updated for 2022 - YouTube. Also, visit our Medicare page to learn more on how the Foreign Service Benefit Plan works with Medicare at https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/.

AFSPA Talks New Year's Resolutions

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton takes us through a discussion of how AFSPA can help you with your 2022 new year's resolutions. Listen in as Kyle discusses wellness incentives, wellness programs, and more!

AFSPA Talks Holiday Health and Coaching

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton discusses staying healthy throughout the holiday season with Dr. Jonathan Rubens, Chief Medical Officer of ActiveHealth Management. Senior Director Leah Briggs also joins the conversation to give us more information on Lifestyle and Condition Coaching and how a coach can help you stay on track this holiday season.

Jonathan S. Rubens brings more than 25 years of experience as a physician leader in both academic and community settings. As the CMO, Jonathan leads a multidisciplinary team of physicians, pharmacists and nurses focused on building effective population health management programs and clinical analytic tools to promote evidence-based patient care.

Leah Briggs is Senior Director of Clinical Solutions at ActiveHealth and a Registered Nurse with over 13 years of case management experience. Along with Dr. Rubens, Leah leads the strategic evolution of clinical programs at ActiveHealth Management, including the Lifestyle and Condition Coaching program.

For more information on the Lifestyle and Condition Coaching program, click here.

AFSPA Talks Open Season Pt. 2

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton is the one being interviewed! That's right, this episode dives into Open Season and the questions members usually have this time of year. Kyle brings us through 2022 Foreign Service Benefit Plan plan changes and enhancements, and answers FAQs.

AFSPA Talks Long Term Care

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on Long Term Care for Long Term Care Awareness Month. For this episode, Kyle is joined by Linda Tsironis Caruthers, founder and CEO of Long-Term Care Consultants.

Linda Tsironis Caruthers, CSA, LTCP is the founder and CEO of Long-Term Care Consultants, Inc., a dedicated long-term care insurance agency providing long-term care planning and caregiver support resources to individuals and employer groups. She has specialized in long-term care insurance since 2000 and earned the Long-Term Care Professional (LTCP) designation from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) in 2005 and the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors in 2006.

AFSPA Talks the Senior Living Foundation of the American Foreign Service

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks we hear from the Senior Living Foundation's caregiving webinar.

AFSPA CEO Paula Jakub, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Senior Living Foundation provides some background on the Foundation and introduces Heather Suri, an aging life care professional who runs a care management agency in Northern Virginia, and Kevin Montgomery, a licensed clinical social worker with AbleTo, a mental wellness program we’ve discussed previously. Heather will share some tools and resources available to help people caring for aging loved ones. Kevin will talk through some self-care strategies to help caregivers who usually are managing a lot.

Link to full webinar: https://youtu.be/ZmSDtXU7aLc

Link to SLF website: http://www.slfoundation.org/

About SLF: The mission of the Senior Living Foundation of the American Foreign Service is to provide support to retired Foreign Service personnel and their spouses (including surviving and divorced spouses) and, on the basis of need, to defray the cost of home health care services, senior housing, long term care, or other senior services that contribute to the health and security of the retired Foreign Service family.

AFSPA Talks Healthy Pregnancy

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on healthy pregnancy with Dr. Joanne Armstrong, Chief Medical Officer for Women's Health and Genomics at CVS Health. Kyle and Dr. Armstrong talk about preparing for pregnancy, advice for while you're pregnant, and post-pregnancy tips.

Joanne Armstrong, MD, MPH is She is responsible for women's health and genomics policy, strategy, and clinical program design across all CVSH enterprise units. Dr. Armstrong has practiced clinical obstetrics and gynecology for more than 25 years. Dr. Armstrong is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has additional training in epidemiology and public health.

AFSPA Talks Open Season with CEO Paula Jakub

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of 2021 Open Season with AFSPA's CEO, Paula Jakub. The two talk plan enhancements, changes, and more, serving as your guide to this year's Open Season.

Open Season runs from November 8 - December 13. Go to afspa.org/openseason for more information, and visit afspa.org/events to register for one of our virtual Open Season events.

Visit afspa.org/blog for more information on Open Season, including all virtual event dates.

AFSPA Talks Diabetes

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of diabetes with Teladoc Health's Director of Clinical Products, Dr. Tejaswi Kompala.

Dr. Teja Kompala is the Director of Clinical Products and clinical subject matter expert for the diabetes and weight management/diabetes prevention programs. As a board-certified Endocrinologist, her responsibilities at Teladoc Health focus on clinical strategy, product development, and clinical analytics across chronic conditions.

AFSPA Talks Virtual Behavioral Support for Kids

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of virtual behavioral support for kids with Brightline’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Grodberg.

Dr. Grodberg has over 20 years of clinical experience providing evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families across many conditions and levels of care. Dr. Grodberg is currently a faculty member at the Yale School of Medicine and served as medical director of the Yale Child Study Center Outpatient Clinic. Among his many contributions to the field, Dr. Grodberg developed the Autism Mental Status Exam (AMSE), which is a brief and free diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder used globally. Much of his work at Yale has focused on using technology to improve the way pediatric behavioral health care is delivered.

AFSPA Talks Breast Cancer & Second Opinions

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of breast cancer and getting a second opinion with PinnacleCare's Clinical Director, Jeff Weaver.

Jeff Weaver is a certified Master’s level Physician Assistant and the Clinical Director of the Group Benefits at PinnacleCare, where he has overseen the medical management of complex and serious illness for the past 5 years. Understanding the complex needs of patients and connecting them to comprehensive and appropriate resources and services is key to his practice of medicine.

Link to Blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog

For more information on PinnacleCare: 1-800-593-2354 afspa.org/FSBP/PinnacleCare

AFSPA Talks Life Insurance Awareness Month and the Office of Casualty Assistance

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) and the State Department's Office of Casualty Assistance (OCA). Kirk Leach, Director of the OCA, joins Kyle for this episode on life insurance and personal contingency planning.

Kirk Leach has been the Director of the Office of Casualty Assistance (OCA) at the State Department for 14 years. In that time, he has managed over 500 employee death cases. Prior to coming to the State Department, Kirk worked for 18 years in international development, including nine years living in Latin America.

Link to register for the LIAM webinar: https://www.afspa.org/events

Link to blog post: https://www.afspa.org/blog/2903/Life-Insurance-and-Your-Peace-of-Mind

State Contact Information:

hrsc@state.gov 866-300-7419

opf@state.gov - any questions related to OPF

oca@state.gov - general OCA questions

202-647-1512 to report the death of an employee that has passed away

ses-o@state.gov - Operations Center

AFSPA Talks Chronic Pain Management

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of chronic pain management with Hinge Health's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jeff Kraus. The two discuss chronic pain, the affects of working from home, how chronic pain relates to one's mental wellness, and more.

Dr. Jeff Krauss graduated from Harvard College, earned his Medical degree from the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, and completed his residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Stanford University. On top of Dr. Krauss’ full-time role at Hinge Health, he is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford in the Department of Orthopedics, and continues to practice as a part-time Staff Physician at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

AFSPA Talks Opioids and Overdoses: Prevention and Treatment

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on opioids and overdoses with Katherine Lurk and Becky Parker. The three take an in depth look at the opioid epidemic, removing the stigma surrounding opioid overdoses, how to get help if you're struggling with opioid misuse, and more.

Katherine Lurk is the Clinical Pharmacist and Manager of Business Development with TrestleTree, a health transformation company. Katherine supports a team of Health Coaches, clients, and participants to optimize clinical outcomes and solve drug-related problems.

Becky Parker is a Clinical Psychologist and Chief Training Officer for TrestleTree. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas and has focused her career on helping individuals make difficult changes, including around substance use.

Link to Blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog.cfm

Link to Health Coaching information: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp_detail.cfm?page=Health-Programs

AFSPA Talks Back to School with KidsHealth's Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through our third and final discussion of back to school. This episode looks at going back to school amidst the pandemic through the eyes of pediatrician Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph. Dr. Pearl Ben-Joseph shares the safest practices for returning to school, preventative measures against getting COVID-19, as well as the affects of increased social technology use on children during this time and in the future.

Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD, is a pediatrician and medical editor at the Center for Health Delivery Innovation | KidsHealth.org in the Nemours Children’s Health System. Dr. Pearl Ben-Joseph has extensive experience creating easy-to-understand patient education materials about health-related topics. She also has a Master of Public Health degree, and has been working hard over the pandemic to help people understand the science and public health impact of COVID-19. Finally, as a visiting scholar at the Wellesley Centers for Women in Wellesley College, she has been studying the effects of social media on children and adolescents, and how parental involvement can affect the experience of youth as they navigate the world of media and electronics.

Click Here to read our "Safe Return to the Classroom" blog.

Click Here for the mentioned Family Media Use Plan.

Click Here for the KidsHealth site.

AFSPA Talks Back to Middle School

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through another back to school discussion, this week with middle school teacher Annitra Smith-Lincoln. Learn about what going back to the classroom was like last year for middle schoolers, and what it will look like this year as we continue to battle COVID-19.

Annitra Smith-Lincoln has taught for a total of 18 years, grades 3-12. She is currently an 8th grade U.S. History teacher in Fort Bragg, NC.

AFSPA Talks Back to Elementary School

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of going back to the classroom with elementary school teacher Kara Rosenfeld. Kara and Kyle talk about the challenges facing children and parents returning to the classroom amidst the pandemic, the benefits of schooling in person, and more.

Kara Rosenfeld is currently in her 22nd year of teaching and is currently teaching first grade at Devers Elementary School in Fort Bragg, NC.

Listen in to this first episode in our back to school series!

Click here to watch the 25th Anniversary Between AFSPA and the FEA documentary.

AFSPA Talks FSBP Incentives with CEO Paula Jakub

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) incentives with AFSPA's CEO, Paula Jakub. Paula and Kyle talk about all the incentives offered to FSBP members, with an emphasis on the Simple Steps to Living Well Together program and other wellness programs.

Paula Jakub is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of AFSPA. She is also the Executive Director of the Senior Living Foundation (SLF) of the American Foreign Service, where she provides proactive management to the vital organization solely devoted to helping elderly Foreign Service retirees and widows. Paula has a 37-year extensive background in the insurance field, having received her underwriting certification from American College. Ms. Jakub is a Registered Health Underwriter, as designated by the National Association of Health Underwriters.

AFSPA Talks LGBTQ+ Youth

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks we celebrate pride month as COO Kyle Longton brings you through a discussion of LGBTQ+ youth with Alyssa Clayden of the Truman Group. Listen in as Kyle and Alyssa cover everything from the coming out process for children, to parents' reactions to their children's identities, to gender dysphoria, and more.

Alyssa Clayden is a licensed independent social worker who has provided international mental health services for more than two decades in a wide variety of settings. Having lived, worked and raised a family across five continents, Alyssa is passionate about providing high-quality individualized mental health services to expatriates. She believes that every person brings expertise, strengths and skills to their lives and relationships, and she views collaboration and space for humor as key components of any successful mental health work.

AFSPA Talks Dental

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of dental care and benefits with guests Dr. Wayne Silverman and Mark Haraway of Dominion National.

Dr. Wayne Silverman has more than 30 years of consulting, teaching and private practice experience. He helps design and review Dominion’s plans, policies and administrative procedures.

Mark Haraway has been in the dental benefits industry for more than 26 years. He has had direct oversight of sales, service and provider relations as well as extensive roles in marketing and product development across a range of delivery systems (DHMO, PPO, traditional) and financing arrangements.

AFSPA Talks Behavioral Health with Dr. William Gillis

Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton takes us through a discussion of behavioral health and the AbleTo program with Aetna's Dr. William Gillis.

Dr. Gillis has over 22 years of experience as a California licensed clinical psychologist, initially in his early years providing direct clinical service and running large clinics. He then transitioned to leadership roles with Magellan and Aetna.

Kyle and Dr. Gillis have a conversation about increased need for behavioral health needs and care, telemedicine, the AbleTo program, and more.

DISCLAIMER: The correct website for AbleTo is https://www.ableto.com/enroll/.

Better Speech and Hearing Month

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton discusses Better Speech and Hearing Month with TruHearing audiologist Patty Greene.

Patty Greene is an audiologist with more than 30 years of experience in the hearing care industry. As TruHearing’s Director of Provider Engagement, Patty is responsible for building stronger relationships with the providers in the TruHearing network. She helps TruHearing providers successfully utilize TruHearing programs and services through provider communications and education.

Throughout the episode, Kyle and Patty talk hearing loss, being an audiologist, and AFSPA's partnership with TruHearing.

AFSPA Talks Mental Wellness with Dr. Julia Hoffman

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In our first ever episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton goes through a discussion on mental health with Dr. Julia Hoffman from Teladoc®. This episode does contain sensitive content and may not be appropriate for all listeners.

Dr. Julia Hoffman (PsyD) is VP of Mental Health Strategy at Teladoc® Health, a company empowering people everywhere to live their healthiest lives. Dr. Hoffman has led the creation, evaluation, and broad international dissemination of numerous technology-based behavioral health tools. She founded and scaled mobile development for behavioral health at both DoD and VA and has been honored for these efforts by former President Barack Obama, the US House of Representatives, the FCC, the American Telemedicine Association, and the American Psychological Association.

In this episode, Kyle leads Dr. Hoffman through a discussion of how people are coping with COVID, parenting in this time of uncertainty, and dealing with trauma and PTSD. Then, the two dive in to the intersection of technology and mental health, specifically with the app myStrength™.