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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.
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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.
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.
This episode is just the start of a busy month. Join us for more events, all available at www.afspa.org/events. -
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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. -
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).
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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
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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.
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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/jPzsTE0TKzLinks:
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
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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.
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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
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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/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.
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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.
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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/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.
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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).
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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/
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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.
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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/
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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 - Mehr anzeigen
