At AFSPA, we are dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of our members. This includes highlighting chronic conditions, such as migraines and headaches, that can affect an individual’s quality of life. This Month, we are shedding light on National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month.  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. While headaches are more common than migraines, constant occurrences from either can influence how we go about our daily lives. The difference is that headaches are common and typically less severe. Headaches are dull or aching. On the other hand, migraines are characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain. Migraines can occur on one side of the head, and you may also experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can also often last for hours, or days.  

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), migraines are the leading cause of disability in the United States. Chronic migraines can develop over time as headaches become more frequent. According to WHO, an estimated 15.2% of the global population experiences migraines annually, with women being three times more likely to experience them than men due to hormonal influences. The unpredictability of migraines often allows them to go undiagnosed and untreated.  

Migraines and headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress and anxiety, sleep disruptions, hormonal changes, certain foods or alcohol, dehydration, and/or bright lights and sounds. Although there is no cure, there are ways to manage these migraines and headaches. It often requires a combination of strategies, including preventive and acute medications, lifestyle changes (regular sleep, hydration, and stress management), identifying and avoiding personal triggers, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or massages.  

If you experience frequent or excruciating headaches, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provide and get a consult on what will be the best form of treatment for you. Too often, we dismiss or minimize the migraines and chronic headaches we are experiencing. Let’s use this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and others, whether by advocating for yourself by addressing the symptoms of your migraine or headache as soon as they appear, supporting a loved one with migraines and headaches, or simply acknowledging the validity of their experience.  

How AFSPA Can Help 

Massage Therapy Benefits  

Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members are covered for up to 50 chiropractic, 50 acupuncture, and 50 massage therapy visits per calendar year (Up to $75 per visit). You can visit any licensed facility in the U.S. Please use your AFSPA Member Portal to submit a claim.  

Care Management Programs 

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan offers additional services under our Care Management (CM) Programs that assist you with your care coordination for your acute or chronic conditions at no additional cost. These programs provide education, clinical support and access to digital support and well-being tools to help you better manage your health. 

To receive One-on-one support with a nurse or social worker who serves as a trusted resource for you and your family, call 1-800-593-2354 (TTY: 711) 

Our CM Programs include the Pain Management Program, which offers support for members with chronic pain and either taking opioids or trying to avoid opioids. Members enrolled will receive coaching and support, which includes assisting with identifying the availability of other treatment plans that may include non-pharmacologic modalities for the treatment of pain such as, but not limited to: targeted digital exercise therapy, injection therapies, cognitive therapies, psychosocial supports, medical devices (e.g. nerve stimulators) and additional chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, or physical therapy visits. The program also helps with psychological effects of chronic pain, reduction of opioid use, avoiding opioid use and resources for those who are dependent on opioid medications. 

Digital Coach Program 

These include nine base programs for weight management, smoking cessation, stress management, nutrition, physical activity, cholesterol management, blood pressure, depression management, and sleep improvement. Programs are prioritized based on a member’s health risk assessment to help create a personalized plan for successful behavior change. Members can engage and participate through personalized messaging with tools and resources to help track their progress and stay on the path to wellness. 

To sign up: 

1. Log on or register for “Aetna’s secure member website”  
2. Look for the “Health and Wellness” icon, select “Discover a Healthier You” and proceed.