AFSPA Talks

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

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/pdpOctober 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-plansSocial Security Administration Contact Page: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ AFSPA Events: www.afspa.org/events

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. 

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

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.  

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.

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/FSBPSee 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.

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.

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 

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/fsbpCheck 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/openseasonOur full events calendar is available at www.afspa.org/events.

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). 

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-planningAFSPA Talks Long Term Care Insurance episode - https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/9592735-afspa-talks-long-term-careTammy's podcast "Plan Your Federal Retirement" - https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/podcasts/

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-healthRegister 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.

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_KidsForeign Service Youth Foundation: https://www.fsyf.org/Active & Connected Families Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-connected-families/id1547081877Families in Global Transition: https://www.figt.org/

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

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/travelCDC Traveler's Health site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelState's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/

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

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/eventsAFSPA’s blog: www.afspa.org/blogsmyStrength: www.mystrength.com – access code FSBPAbleTo: www.AbleTo.comBrightline: www.hellobrightline.com/FSBPTeladoc (U.S.): www.teladoc.com/AetnavHealth (overseas): www.vhealth-teladochealth.com/enTruman Group: https://trumangroup.com/Livongo: http://get.livongo.com/FSBPLifestyle and Condition Coaching Program: www.myactivehealth.com/FSBPHearing Aid Discount Program: www.afspa.org/aip - Discount Care Programs

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

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.