May 9, 2013

From the CEO

We are pleased to announce that Aetna has successfully completed its acquisition of Coventry Health Care, Inc. The strengths of each company complement each other. Coventry’s strong relationships with local hospitals, physicians and other provider groups improve Aetna’s network and competitive position. Aetna adds a strong multi-site capability to Coventry’s locally focused business. Additionally, Aetna’s strong global presence will provided added value and service to our overseas members.

Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members will benefit from Aetna’s more than 160 years of experience, a strong financial position, a well-recognized brand and a shared commitment to empowering people to lead healthy lives.  We are excited about the opportunities that the combined business creates for us.

What does this mean for the FSBP? For the foreseeable future, it is business as usual – nothing changes. The American Foreign Service Protective Association is the Carrier of the FSBP, under contract with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  We rely on our underwriter, now Aetna, to perform many vital duties, including claims processing and clinical/medical management, to name a few.

• You will continue to send claims to us at the FSBP www.AFSPA.org/FSBP.
• Your claims will continue to be paid by the dedicated staff in Gastonia, NC – the same people who have paid our claims for decades.  They know us and are committed to serve you.
• You will continue to use Coventry’s existing PPO Network.  Aetna has a staged integration process that starts today and integration teams will work through a number of areas, including access to Aetna’s larger network.
• You will continue to email us at health@afspa.org or call us at (202) 833-4910 with any questions.

We will build upon each other’s strengths to provide quality products and services that deliver value and affordability to a broader group of customers across the U.S. and overseas.

For the long term, we anticipate that Aetna’s large Federal presence, extensive resources and programs, and national provider networks will complement Coventry’s programs and benefit the FSBP. The successful completion of this acquisition unlocks new opportunities for Aetna and Coventry, and propels our growth in the changing health care marketplace.  Of course, full integration will take time – months and even years.

The aspect about the FSBP that never changes is our commitment and dedication to our members, both domestic and overseas. We look forward to working with Aetna to provide the outstanding level of service our members have come to expect.  As we learn more, we will provide you additional information.  For more detailed information please visit the FSBP home page at www.AFSPA.org/FSBP.