Dear AFSPA Member,
I wanted to follow up with important information regarding the recent government shutdown. Yesterday, I sent an email with details about the available benefits. You can view that message here, along with a list of frequently asked questions here. Rest assured, we at AFSPA and our partners are here to continue serving you, our members.
Open Season is quickly approaching for federal employees, retirees, and annuitants. AFSPA is preparing to participate in numerous Open Season briefings and benefits fairs across the country and around the world, as well as host several informative webinars. This season highlights the importance of staying informed about your health by getting the flu vaccine and keeping in touch with AFSPA for updates on benefit enhancements and changes.
Open Season
From November 10 to December 8, 2025, federal employees and retirees can gather information to make informed decisions about changing or updating their health, dental, vision, and flexible spending account benefits without needing a qualifying life event. It’s a great time to consider your options. AFSPA will participate in various Open Season briefings and benefits fairs nationally and internationally, hosting multiple webinar sessions. Join us to learn more about Open Season generally and what AFSPA offers. Keep an eye out for the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) Open Season packet, email announcements, podcasts, and other updates on Open Season events and webinars, where you can learn more about benefit enhancements and changes.
Extended Phone Hours
We are pleased to announce that we’ve extended our customer service phone hours. From October 1 to December 31, 2025, our dedicated health benefits officers will be available to assist you from 7 AM to 7 PM ET with questions about the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. This extension aims to ensure we can support you effectively during the busy Open Season. You can reach a health benefits officer by calling 202-833-4910.
Protect Yourself This Flu Season
Prioritizing your health is especially important during the colder months when respiratory viruses spread more easily. The CDC recommends that nearly everyone in the United States aged 6 months and older, with some exceptions, receive a flu vaccine each year. Research indicates that immunity peaks shortly after vaccination and gradually diminishes each month. For this reason, health experts suggest getting vaccinated before influenza activity increases, ideally by the end of October.
FSBP covers the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines at 100% when visiting an in-network provider or a provider outside the 50 United States. As an added benefit, FSBP members aged 18+ can earn a $25 wellness reward after receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Life Plan Option for Seniors
I’m reminding you about our Senior Term Life coverage, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential), available to members aged 65-74. This plan provides a financial safety net of up to $25,000 to assist with final expenses and safeguard your family’s financial future. Additionally, with exclusive member-only rates, the coverage may be more affordable than you think—for example, if you’re a 65-year-old member, you can get $15,000 of coverage for $40.95 a month. This plan can complement an existing life insurance policy or be purchased as a standalone plan. Click here to learn more or visit afspa.org/life.
Stay Connected
Please 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.
As always, thank you for your trust and for allowing AFSPA to serve you!
To Living and Feeling Better,
Kyle Longton, CAE, REBC
AFSPA, CEO
