From the CEO
News, updates, and messages from Paula S. Jakub, CEO of AFSPA
Welcome and thank you for visiting our site!
My name is Kyle Longton, Chief Executive Officer of AFSPA.
AFSPA’s mission is to provide unparalleled service to our unique membership. We deliver a comprehensive set of health insurance benefits and other services tailored to the needs of the Foreign Service and other Federal Executive branch employees. This mission has been evident since the establishment of our organization in 1929, when our founders set out to build an Association to ensure members of the Foreign Service get access to the care they need while serving overseas.
Over the years, we’ve opened our membership to civil service employees from the State Dept., Dept. of Defense, Dept. of Homeland Security and other agencies who work to support U.S. foreign affairs and related missions. We even expanded our benefits to include comprehensive network coverage for members living in the United States.
Today, our membership has grown to over 100,000 active and retired Federal employees and their families, where 60% of them are enjoying our benefits right here in the U.S. Please take a moment to read the archives of my monthly messages below and explore the rest of our website to learn more about all we have to offer.
To Choosing Your Health,
Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
CEO, AFSPA
From the CEO – December 2022
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, we continue to see respiratory viruses, including influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), spreading rapidly across the country. I strongly urge you to get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster shot. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone age six months and older receive the flu vaccine. If you are due for a COVID-19 booster, it is safe to get both the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster shots together.
From the CEO – November 2022
With the holidays approaching and only two months left in 2022, I’m sure many of you are busy preparing for seasonal activities and the upcoming year. This month marks the start of Open Season – a perfect time to start looking at all your benefits and how you and your family will use them in 2023. I invite you to also explore AFSPA’s member-exclusive Ancillary Insurance Programs (AIP) like dental, life, critical illness, and disability insurances to consider adding to your health portfolio next year.
From the CEO – October 2022
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the flu virus may be more severe this winter, so I strongly urge you to get your flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone age six months and older receive the flu vaccine. If you are due for a COVID-19 booster, it is safe to get both the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster shots together. As an added benefit, Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) members age 18+ years can earn a $25 wellness reward after receiving the flu shot.
From the CEO – September 2022
As the warm summer season dwindles away and the feeling of cool temperatures arrive, we tend to start crawling into our caves, indulging ourselves in delicious comfort food, and exercising less. But be mindful that this behavior of eating more and exercising less can contribute to higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Here are some healthier fall recipe options that are perfect for colder weather.
