Dear AFSPA Member,
As the holiday season approaches, another important season is upon us: Federal Open Season. Before the holiday festivities begin, I encourage you to take a moment to review your health benefits and consider how they can best support you and your loved ones in the year ahead. Our theme, Better Tools: Better Health, reflects our commitment to empowering members with the resources, information, and benefits they need to make informed healthcare decisions. Open Season is the perfect opportunity to put those tools to work and take a proactive approach to your health and well-being.
This year’s Federal Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026. During this period, eligible federal employees and retirees can review and make changes to their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coverage. Eligible employees can also enroll or re-enroll in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).
If you are currently enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) and are satisfied with your coverage, no action is necessary. Your enrollment will automatically continue into 2027. However, I encourage all members to take this opportunity to evaluate your current coverage and consider what best meets your needs for the year ahead. Members currently enrolled in Self Plus One (enrollment code 403) should also consider switching to Self & Family (enrollment code 402), which offers the same benefits and coverage at a lower premium. Open Season is the ideal time to make this change (with your HR dept.) and potentially save on healthcare costs in the year ahead. Be sure to watch for your Open Season materials arriving by mail or email.
We recognize that 2027 brings more significant FSBP premium increases than members have experienced in recent years. These adjustments reflect several factors, including membership growth, rising healthcare costs, and increased utilization of medical and prescription drug benefits. We understand the financial impact these changes may have on you and your family, and we remain committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality benefits while ensuring the Plan’s long-term sustainability. Despite these challenges, our priority remains unchanged: providing meaningful coverage, valuable resources, and access to quality care for our unique worldwide membership.
Throughout Open Season, we will host several informational webinars at various times to accommodate members across the globe. These sessions will highlight the 2027 FSBP benefit changes and enhancements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. I encourage you to take advantage of this, whether you are considering enrolling in FSBP for the first time or have been a member for many years. To register for an upcoming webinar or explore our Open Season resources, visit afspa.org/openseason.
Open Season is also a good reminder to evaluate your overall financial protection and consider whether your current coverage meets your family’s needs. AFSPA offers a variety of Ancillary Insurance Programs (AIP), including dental, life, critical illness, and disability insurance, to help provide additional protection and peace of mind.
As a reminder, open enrollment for our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance plans ends November 15, 2026. If you have been considering additional life insurance protection, now is the time to explore your options. Visit afspa.org/life to learn more and enroll.
I encourage you to stay connected with AFSPA and take advantage of the tools and resources available to help you maximize your benefits and coverage. Explore our blogs, AFSPA Talks podcasts, and free educational webinars for helpful insights and guidance. You can also follow us on social media and read our AFSPA In Action newsletters for the latest Plan updates, important health topics, and valuable information to support your well-being. These resources are all part of our commitment to Better Tools: Better Health, empowering you to make informed decisions and get the most out of your benefits.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to thank you for the trust you continue to place in AFSPA. We recognize that healthcare decisions are deeply personal, and we are honored to be part of your journey toward better health.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving and a healthy start to the holiday season.
To Better Health,
Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
CEO, AFSPA
