Dear AFSPA Members:
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves busy preparing for festivities and planning for the coming year. This month also marks the beginning of Open Season, an excellent opportunity for you and your family to review your benefits and explore how to maximize them for 2026.
We are mindful that the government shutdown continues to have a significant impact on many of our members, leaving some without pay. If you have concerns about your insurance coverage during these challenging circumstances, here are some helpful FAQs and official guidance from OPM.
At AFSPA, our operations continue as usual, and we remain dedicated to supporting you. This month, we focus on Open Season and the benefit changes to the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. We also offer competitive dental insurance options and a valuable dental-vision discount program, along with other plans you can enroll in at any time. Please read on to learn more about our activities this month and how we can help you in 2026.
Open Season
The Open Season enrollment period this year runs from November 10 to December 8, 2025. During this time, you can make changes to your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program enrollment, your Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) enrollment, and your Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS) enrollment. If you are already enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) and are satisfied with your coverage, there is no need to take any action, as your coverage will automatically renew each year. Keep an eye out for your Open Season packets arriving in your mailbox or email inbox soon.
AFSPA will be holding several Open Season webinars with Q&A sessions scheduled at different times to accommodate members around the world. These webinars will provide an overview of the FEHB, OPM’s initiatives, and FSBP‘s 2026 benefit enhancements. To register for an Open Season webinar, visit afspa.org/openseason. We highly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and attend one of these informative webinars. Our team is available to answer your questions during expanded hours this Open Season: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
FSBP – What’s New for 2026
We thank you for the opportunity to support your family’s health and maximize your FSBP benefits. In 2026, expect changes like expanded cryopreservation coverage, higher out-of-pocket maximums for catastrophic protection, a CVS Minute Clinic and walk-in clinic cost share, a slightly increased drug cost shares for Tier II and III, and more. See the 2026 FSBP Plan brochure for details. Webinars will showcase these updates. Visit afspa.org/events to register.
Express Scripts, FSBP’s pharmacy benefit manager, is rebranding to “Express Scripts by Evernorth” to align with its parent company, Evernorth Health Services. Expect to see updated branding on plan materials and resources, including mail, emails, and websites from Express Scripts. Rest assured, your prescription benefits and how you access them won’t change.
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Will this change affect my current prescriptions? |
No, there will be no impact on your current prescriptions. |
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Will I receive a new ID card? |
Yes, members will receive new cards due to the change in the out of pocket catastrophic maximum. However, other information, such as your ID number, will not change. New ID cards issued after January 1, 2026, will have the Evernorth logo (along with the Express Scripts logo). Even after Jan 1, members with the Express Scripts-branded cards can continue to use them with no problem. |
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Is the pharmacy network the same? |
Yes, while the pharmacy network may change from time to time, there will not be any changes as a result of the branding change. |
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Is the Express Scripts name changing? |
No, the Express Scripts name remains the same. |
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Will the Express Scripts mobile app functionality change? |
No, the Express Scripts mobile app functionality will remain intact. You will see updated logos and colors. |
Brand changes will occur on a rolling basis and will take time to fully implement. Express Scripts has committed to making this a simple, seamless transition. Questions? Call an Express Scripts customer care representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at (800) 935-7189 (TTY: 711).
Long Term Care Insurance Awareness Month
November is Long Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month. Discussing LTC can be tough, and many haven’t considered its impact on retirement or accepting potential future loss of independence. LTC Insurance has improved over 30 years, so understanding which plan suits your needs is vital. AFSPA partners with experienced groups—Long-Term Care Consultants, Inc. and Signature Financial Partners, LLC—to help you find affordable LTC options, whether you live in the U.S. or abroad.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with us to learn how to maximize your benefits and coverage. You can access our blogs, podcasts, and free educational webinars, as well as follow us on social media for valuable information. Additionally, our AFSPA In Action newsletters with plan updates and important health topics are available to read on our website.
Last month, our AFSPA Talks podcast covered women’s health, including menopause. If you missed it, listen at afspatalks.buzzsprout.com. This month, we’ll discuss Open Season and FSBP’s 2026 benefits and coverage, so stay tuned!
With Thanksgiving coming up, it’s a time to gather with family, reflect on our blessings, and celebrate this American holiday. Our AFSPA team is dedicated to serving you, and we thank you for your service. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to serve you. Have a joyful, healthy Thanksgiving!
To Living and Feeling Better,
Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
AFSPA, CEO
