Greetings and Welcome to September 2019! I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day. Traditionally, this holiday marks the end of summer. The warmer season has left and we now are preparing for the cooler fall weather.

Back-to-School

Back-to-school time produces homework for parents – the completion of your child’s standard forms. Most parents must submit immunization records, medication forms, etc. The school may ask for an emergency contact, a sports physical, and/or an authorization form (permission to medically treat your child, if needed). Did you know those with the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) can retrieve medical information from the Member Engagement Portal (MEP)? You can print or download medication lists, immunization history, and more through Aetna Navigator.

To access MEP:

• Log in to Aetna Navigator
• Look for the Stay Healthy icon
• Click Discover a Healthier You – you will be directed to MEP
• Click on Records – access immunizations, medications, etc.
• Print/download information from the different health categories

For children with a chronic medical condition such as asthma or diabetes, back-to-school involves even more preparation. Refer to the Medication Adherence Back-to-School Tips from Express Scripts.

Step 2 – Your Biometric Screening

You still can complete Step Two of the Wellness Program – A Biometric Screening – to receive $75 in Wellness Rewards. U.S. members can obtain a Biometric Screening at a Quest Diagnostic Patient Service Center. Register at my.questforhealth.com (registration key – FSBP) to locate a screening center. Or, print a copy of the Biometric Screening Physician Results Form to take to your annual physical exam. Overseas members can choose this option as well. Your results can help you develop a plan and understand your risks. Then, you can decide which FSBP programs are needed to address your individual needs.

To earn the $75 Wellness Reward, you must submit a completed Quest form by December 1. You still have time!

September Awareness Months

Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month – Last month, I wrote about our Pain Management program. However, this important topic warrants repeating. FSBP’s comprehensive program assists you with acute and chronic pain. It offers coaching and support to help you identify non-pharmacologic treatment options. Learn more by calling 800-593-2354. (See page 95 of the 2019 FSBP brochure for details.)

Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) – We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries… September is when we evaluate our life insurance needs. Please ensure your beneficiary information is up to date.

• Life insurance is important and dependable. Protect your family’s future. Unlike stocks and investments, term life insurance benefits remain unaffected by market fluctuations.

• Life insurance may be lower than you think. A group plan may cost less than purchasing an individual plan.

• Without children, coverage is still important. You have financial responsibilities and don’t want to burden your family with outstanding expenses.

• Life changes. Beneficiary designations can change. Outdated contact information may delay a benefit payment.

Let AFSPA help. Learn more at www.afspa.org/life or call 202-833-4910.

CEO Message Archives

My monthly messages are intended to provide current and fluid information about health and wellness. I also share the available FSBP benefits and ancillary programs to address any issues you may have. The messages foster an ongoing dialogue with you that I enjoy. Members have asked for an online library of past CEO Messages. In response, my monthly messages now are archived and available at www.afspa.org/news.

Fall is busy for AFSPA. We finalize the 2020 FSBP brochure and travel for Open Season. Stay informed of what is happening through our website, Facebook, the upcoming Fall newsletter, and our Annual Open Season mailing. Look out for new benefits, at a great 2020 premium! Also, check your mailbox for the 2019 Summer Newsletter.

As always, thank you for your loyalty and for giving AFSPA the opportunity to serve you.

To Your Health,
Paula S. Jakub, RHU
CEO, AFSPA
Executive Director, Senior Living Foundation