AFSPA News
Get the latest news and plan updates
From the CEO – May 2026
As we step into May, we are reminded that achieving better health starts with having the right tools, resources, and support systems in place. This year, our theme, Better Tools: Better Health, reflects our ongoing commitment to providing you and your family with meaningful solutions that support your well-being at every stage of life.
Protected for Generations: The Ongoing Power of Immunization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30. The theme for 2026 is “For every generation, vaccines work.” WHO chose this theme to remind people that vaccines are safe and have protected multiple generations over the span of 200 years (UNICEF). WHO and its partners hope that by celebrating immunizations, society will see the lifesaving power of vaccines to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. We must celebrate World Immunization Week every year to emphasize the safety of vaccines, the lives they have saved, and our ongoing efforts to make vaccines accessible to everyone.
From the CEO – April 2026
In this message, you will find a recap of our Annual Member Meeting, resources to support mental health during uncertain times, and new initiatives, such as the Senior Living Foundation’s Next Chapter Conversations series. Together, these efforts reflect our focus on providing better tools and resources to support your health, well-being, and peace of mind.
Mental Health Telehealth Resources for Members Affected by Current Hostilities
We recognize that recent events and the outbreak of hostilities in parts of the Middle East may be creating uncertainty, stress, and concern for many of our members and their families serving at U.S. embassies and posts in the region.
From the CEO – March 2026
The AFSPA Annual Member Meeting is set for Friday, March 6, at 11:00 am ET. I invite all AFSPA members to join this hybrid meeting. We are no longer accepting in-person RSVPs; however, you can still register to participate virtually.
EncircleRx Program Requirements to Resume March 1, 2026
The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) will reinstate participation requirements for the EncircleRx program beginning March 1, 2026, following corrective action to address earlier implementation issues.
EncircleRx Program Update – February 20, 2026
We have made immense progress in recent weeks. After implementing numerous fixes and weeks of monitoring, we are ready to turn back on the Teladoc Health requirements effective March 1, 2026.
EncircleRx Program Update – February 6, 2026
We have continued to work closely with Express Scripts and Teladoc Health on the necessary fixes for the EncircleRx program for members taking GLP-1s for weight management. In addition, we have remained in regular touch with our contracting team at the Office of Personnel Management.