AFSPA Talks Podcast

AFSPA Talks

AFSPA Talks is an informational and educational podcast by the American Foreign Service Protective Association (AFSPA), featuring Chief Operating Officer Kyle Longton. AFSPA Talks covers a range of topics across a multitude of categories, from mental wellness, to dental care, to speech and hearing awareness. This podcast is intended for all listeners, not only AFSPA members. This podcast is not intended to give out medical advice, please seek a professional for medical questions.

AFSPA Talks Podcast

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AFSPA Talks Season 1 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Mental Wellness with Dr. Julia Hoffman

In this first ever episode, AFSPA COO, Kyle Longton leads Dr. Julia Hoffman from Teladoc® through a discussion of how people are coping with COVID, parenting in this time of uncertainty, and dealing with trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Then, the two dive in to the intersection of technology and mental health, specifically with the app myStrength™. 

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Better Speech and Hearing Month with Patty Greene

In recognition of Better Speech & Hearing Month, AFSPA COO, Kyle Longton talks with Patty Greene from TruHearing about the signs and symptoms of hearing loss, the importance to getting a hearing test, and hearing benefits from the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. Stay tuned and subscribe to hear more!

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Behavioral Health with Dr. WIlliam Gillis

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of behavioral health with Senior Clinical Director of Aetna, Dr. William Gillis. The two talk mental health trends throughout the COVID pandemic, virtual care, and the AbleTo program which is available to members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP). Stay tuned and subscribe to hear more!

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Dental Care and Benefits

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of dental care and benefits with guests Dr. Wayne Silverman and Mark Haraway of Dominion National.  Dr. Wayne Silverman has more than 30 years of dental consulting, teaching and private practice experience. Mark Haraway has been in the dental benefits industry for more than 26 years. 

 

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks LGBTQ+ Youth

In this episode of AFSPA Talks we celebrate pride month as COO Kyle Longton brings you through a discussion of LGBTQ+ youth with Alyssa Clayden of the Truman Group. Listen in as Kyle and Alyssa cover everything from the coming out process for children, to parents’ reactions to their children’s identities, to gender dysphoria, and more. 

Episode 7

AFSPA Talks FSBP Wellness Incentives with CEO Paula Jakub

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) incentives with AFSPA’s CEO, Paula Jakub. Paula and Kyle talk about all the incentives offered to FSBP members, with an emphasis on the Simple Steps to Living Well Together program and other wellness programs. 

AFSPA Talks Season 2 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Back to Elementary School

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, AFSPA COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of going back to the classroom with elementary school teacher Kara Rosenfeld. Kara and Kyle talk about the challenges facing children and parents returning to the classroom amidst the pandemic, the benefits of schooling in person, and more.

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Back to Middle School

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through another back to school discussion, this week with middle school teacher Annitra Smith-Lincoln. Learn about what going back to the classroom was like last year for middle schoolers, and what it will look like this year as we continue to battle COVID-19.

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Back to School with KidsHealth's Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton finishes out our “Back to School” series by bringing us through a discussion of going back to school this year with pediatrician Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, a contributor to KidsHealth. The two talk about preventative care for children, KidsHealth, and returning to the classroom amidst a pandemic.

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Opioid Use Disorder

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on opioid use disorder with pharmacist Katherine Lurk and clinical psychologist Becky Parker. The three take an in depth look at the opioid epidemic, removing the stigma surrounding opioid overdoses, how to get help if you’re struggling with opioid misuse, and more.

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Chronic Pain Management

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of chronic pain management with Hinge Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jeff Kraus. The two discuss chronic pain, the affects of working from home, how chronic pain relates to one’s mental wellness, and more. 

Episode 6

AFSPA Talks Life Insurance Awareness Month and the Office of Casualty Assistance

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) and the State Department’s Office of Casualty Assistance (OCA). Kirk Leach, Director of the OCA, joins Kyle for this episode on life insurance and personal contingency planning.

AFSPA Talks Season 3 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Breast Cancer Awareness & Second Opinions

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of breast cancer and getting a second opinion with PinnacleCare’s Clinical Director, Jeff Weaver. 

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Virtual Behavioral Support for Kids

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of virtual behavioral support for kids with Brightline’s Medical Director, Dr. David Grodberg. 

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Diabetes

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion of diabetes with Teladoc Health’s Director of Clinical Products, Dr. Tejaswi Kompala. 

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Open Season with CEO Paula Jakub

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on Open Season with AFSPA’s CEO Paula Jakub.

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Healthy Pregnancy

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on healthy pregnancy with Dr.  Joanne Armstrong, Chief Medical Officer for Women’s Health and Genomics at CVS Health. Kyle and Dr. Armstrong talk about preparing for pregnancy, advice for while you’re pregnant, and post-pregnancy tips. 

Episode 6

AFSPA Talks the Senior Living Foundation

In this episode of AFSPA Talks we hear from the Senior Living Foundation’s caregiving webinar.

Episode 7

AFSPA Talks Long Term Care

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton brings us through a discussion on Long Term Care for Long Term Care Awareness Month. For this episode, Kyle is joined by Linda Tsironis Caruthers, founder and CEO of Long-Term Care Consultants. 

Episode 8

AFSPA Talks Open Season Part 2

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, Hannah Wohlfahrt brings us through a discussion of Open Season with COO Kyle Longton. Kyle answers questions that come up during Open Season and goes over Foreign Service Benefit Plan changes and enhancements for 2022. 

Episode 9

AFSPA Talks Holiday Health and Coaching

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton discusses staying healthy throughout the holiday season with Dr. Jonathan Rubens, Chief Medical Officer of ActiveHealth Management. Senior Director Leah Briggs also joins the conversation to give us more information on Lifestyle and Condition Coaching and how a coach can help you stay on track this holiday season.

AFSPA Talks Season 4 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks New Year's Resolutions

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton takes us through a discussion of how AFSPA can help you with your 2022 new year’s resolutions. Listen in as Kyle discusses wellness incentives, wellness programs, and more!

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Medicare & the FEHB

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, CEO, Paula Jakub brings us through a discussion on Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and how they work together.

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Medicare, Tricare, & the FEHB

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton discusses Medicare, Tricare, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, and how they work together with special guest, Rear Adm. Christine Hunter (Ret.), MD Former Chief Medical Officer, OPM Co-Chair, NCQA Committee on Performance Measurement, and Paula S. Jakub, RHU, AFSPA CEO.

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Medicare Advantage Plans

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton has an in-depth discussion on Medicare Advantage Plans  and how they work together with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and commercial plans, with John H. Ficaro, Vice President of Aetna Group Retiree & De-Risking Solutions. This is the last episode of our “Focus on Medicare” podcast series.

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Virtual Overseas Second Opinion

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton has an in-depth discussion with Dr. Peter Rasmussen, MD, Chief Clinical Officer at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic and Susan Scott, Director of Client Services at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic about our special partnership with Cleveland Clinic for the overseas virtual second opinion program.   

AFSPA Talks Season 5 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks AIP: Intro to AIP Month

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO, Kyle Longton and Adrienne Seabrooks, Director of Ancillary Insurance Programs at AFSPA, talk about some of the unique AIP programs AFSPA offers. This is a preview of four episodes in our “Focus on AIP” podcast series coming up which include discount care programs, Critical Illness vs. Disability insurance, Life insurance, and Financial Wellness.

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Discount Care Programs

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton talks about AFSPA’s Discount Care Program. Valerie DeBruin, VP of Network Operations for Careington and Dr. Joan Waldron discuss the discount plans – their value and how they work. Dr. Waldron also provides great information about the important of preventative dental care. For more information on AFSPA’s Discount Care Program, click here.  

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Life Insurance and AD&D

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton talks about Life Insurance. Do you know the differences between term, whole, and universal life insurance? Nina Matias from Prudential does, and she’s back to share her expertise. This time, she talks about life and AD&D insurance. Find out about evolutions in the types of plans available and what considerations to take into account when deciding your coverage needs.  

For information about AFSPA’s life insurance plans, please visit www.afspa.org/life.  

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Financial Wellness

As we wrap up our focus on AFSPA’s AIP options, Vishal Jain from Prudential joins us to discuss Financial Wellness. Learn about the connections between financial and mental wellness and how Prudential’s Financial Wellness Program – available at no cost to all AFSPA members – can help you manager your daily spending, pay down debt, and plan for the future. 

For more information about this program, click here.

If you missed our first AFSPA Live episode, please visit: www.youtube.com/afspacares

AFSPA Talks Season 6 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Infertility and Mental Health

AFSPA Talks kicks off a month-long focus on infertility and family formation with a focus on the mental health. Experiencing challenges conceiving, facing a diagnosis of infertility, and considering ways to expand your family including ART procedures and adoption have effects beyond physical health. They can cause depression and anxiety, put strain on relationships, and more. Our guest today, Alicia Janik, PsyD, addresses the broad effects of infertility and family formation on our mental health.

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Family Formation Journeys

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, members of the Foreign Service community join to share their journeys with growing their families. Their stories of adoption, IVF, and surrogacy highlight the challenges and joys that each family experienced. In celebration of Pride Month, we are proud to feature stories from the LGBTQ+ community about their Family Formation Journeys. Thank you to glifaa (Gays, and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs agencies) for their help in putting this episode together.

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Overseas Care

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we kick off a month-long focus on overseas care.  State Department Chief Medical Officer Larry Padget joins us to talk about the work of the Bureau of Medical Services (MED). Learn about the structure of a mission’s Health Unit, the work of regional medical officers and medical providers, and the basics of a MEDEVAC situation. MED serves as the medical home for tens of thousands, and Dr. Padget provides an inside look for the rest of us. 

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks FSBP Overseas Care

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we continue our theme of overseas care by focusing on the benefits, programs, and service offered through the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. AFSPA CEO Paula Jakub walks through a bit of the history of the Plan before diving into coverage, special features, and unique ways in which AFSPA supports its overseas members. Later, Sr. Director of Compliance Stefon Nicely provides an overview of the AFSPA’s partnerships with overseas providers.”

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Telehealth Overseas

In this episode of AFSPA Talks,  AFSPA COO Kyle Longton interviewed with John McQuillan, General Manager, Insurance-UK, Teladoc Health. The two discussed the overseas telehealth options available to FSBP members through vHealth. They delved into general medicine, mental health, and even the logistics of how visits work and the outcomes of members who have used the program in the past. Stayed tuned at the end for the full benefit information or visit https://vhealth-teladochealth.com/en to register for the program. 

AFSPA Talks Season 7 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Newborn Children's Health

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we begin our month-long conversation about children’s health care. This episode include excerpts from past episodes where COO Kyle Longton talk to pediatric experts about the beginning stages of children’s health care – from preparing to welcome a child into your family, to the importance of well-child visits, recommended vaccines, and where to get resources.

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan covers well-child visits and CDC recommended children vaccines at 100% when seen by an in-network provider. Visit afspa.org/fsbp for more information. 

Visit kidshealth.org for resources on children’s health care.

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Summer Break

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, we take a break to prepare for future podcast episodes. In the meantime, feel free to listen to any of our past episodes! We look forward to sharing a brand new episode with you next week on August 22!

Visit afspa.org/podcast for our past episodes or listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform. 

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Children's Behavioral Health

On this episode, AFSPA Talks Children’s Behavioral Health with Alison Stoner and Honora Einhorn, two senior clinical managers with Brightline Health. They discuss ways parents and caregivers can support healthy behavioral emotional and social development, the effect of COVID on kids of all ages, signs that may indicate a need for care or intervention, and the network of care professionals in a child’s life. They also spend time talking about Brightline and the three-tiered approach this new FSBP partner offers. 

Learn more about Brightline at www.hellobrightline.com/fsbp.

AFSPA Talks Season 8 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks MASHUP - Life Insurance

On this episode of AFSPA Talks, we combined two of our previously recorded episodes about Disability, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you’re interested in learning even more about life insurance, check out our blog at afspa.org/blogs. 

 

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Financial Planning and Wealth Management

On this episode of AFSPA Talks, COO Kyle Longton talks about Financial Planning and Wealth Management with Greg Klingler, COO and VP, Wealth Management at GEBA. Greg holds a number of designations and licenses, including Certified Financial Planner, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, and the Chartered Federal Benefits Consultant Designation. You can learn more at www.gebawealth.com. 

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Federal Retirement Planning

In this episode of AFSPA Talks, federal benefits expert, Tammy Flanagan, joins AFSPA COO Kyle Longton, to talk about the importance of retirement planning and the work she does at Retire Federal. She walks through the broad considerations for any federal employee as they consider their future after retirement before diving into the often-complicated topic of life insurance within the FEGLI program.

AFSPA Talks Season 9 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Breast Cancer Awareness

In this episode, we kick off a month-long focus on breast cancer awareness. Melissa Wolf, MS, NP-C, AOCNP, joins us. As an Assistant Medical Director for PinnacleCare, she brings her expertise to provide an introduction to breast cancer: what do we mean when we say cancer, risk factors, early detection and prevention, treatment options, and when and how to get a second opinion. Melissa also will be our guest for AFSPA Live on October 27 at 11 AM ET. 

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Cancer Support Programs

In this episode, AFSPA Talks Cancer Support Programs. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is never easy, but with the help of cancer support programs that include medication management, holistic options, and more, there is a plan in place for how to move forward. 

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks TherapEase Cuisine

In this episode, we continue our month-long focus on breast cancer with an examination of nutritional needs while undergoing cancer treatment. Kerry Coughlin, RD, CSO and Rebecca Philipps, PharmD join us to discuss this topic and support available from TherapEase Cuisine, a program available to patients who fill their cancer medications at Accredo Specialty Pharmacy. 

To learn more and enroll in the program, visit www.TherapEaseCuisine.com

AFSPA Talks Season 10 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Open Season

In this episode, COO Kyle Longton takes you through some general information about the upcoming open season before focusing on the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. Learn what’s staying the same for 2023 and what enhancements are coming in the new year – including new benefits and incentives focused on maternal health, coverage for ART procedures, and a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Check out www.afpsa.org/openseason for more information and a schedule for our Open Season live webinars. We hope you can join us to have your questions answered.

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan

This week, we offer a preview of our new FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan, a new option within FSBP for members with Medicare Parts A and B. Learn about the special features in this plan, including Silver Sneakers and
Part B premium reductions of up to $900 per year. Also, gain an understanding of how this plan differs from the Foreign Service Benefit Plan you know already.

Use the following resources to make an informed choice and find out if the FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan is for you:
General Open Season Webinars:
www.afspa.org/events


AFSPA Open Season Information:
www.afspa.org/openseason


Information on the FSBP-Aetna
Medicare Advantage Plan:
www.fspbhealth.com/retiree


Webinars on the FSBP-Aetna Medicare
Advantage Plan: www.fsbphealth.com/webinars

FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan

Questions: call 1-866-241-0262

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET

AFSPA Talks Episode on Medicare Advantage Plans: 
https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/10104318-afspa-talks-medicareadvantage-plans

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks ART Procedure

In 2023, AFSPA is offering coverage for ART procedures under the Foreign Service Benefit Plan for the first time. Today we delve into not only this coverage but also causes of infertility and the various treatments, including ART procedures. OB/GYN Jordan Pritzker, MD, MBA, FACOG, joins us to share his expertise in this area and talk us through what individual might experience as they seek to grow their families. 

For more information on infertility and mental health and personal family formation journeys, scroll back to our June episodes in your feed. 

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Open Season FAQs

With only one week left of open season, host Kyle Longton turns to some of his colleagues for help answering your most frequent questions. We touch on general information about FEHB, FEDVIP, and FSAFEDS before digging into FSBP wellness incentives and ending with a lightening round on the FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Program. Some of the websites discussed in this episode include:

FEDVIP information: www.benefeds.com 

FSAFEDS: www.fsafeds.com 

FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan: www.fsbphealth.com/retiree 

FSBP Open Season Information: www.afspa.org/openseason

AFSPA Open Season Webinars: www.afspa.org/events 

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Health Habits During the Holidays

The holidays are upon us, and they bring with them tasty treats and stress. Managing our health this time of year can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. To provide some ways to be kind to ourselves while remaining healthy this holiday season, we welcome Grace Silverio, BSN, CDCES, RN, MSN, Director of Solution Strategy for Teladoc Health and a subject matter expert for chronic conditions. 

For more information on Livongo chronic condition solutions, visit https://www.get.livongo.com/fsbp 

For more on the wellness programs available to FSBP members, visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/. 

AFSPA Talks Season 11 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks We'll Be Back on January 23rd

Happy New Year! AFSPA Talks is taking a quick break on doing a full episode this week, but we’ll be back in two weeks with a full episode airing on Monday, Jan 23rd where we’ll be talking about the post-holiday blues and the wellness programs we offer to help Foreign Service Benefit Plan members and their dependents. This includes programs like our digital coaching and our Lifestyle and Condition Coaching Program, so stay tuned!

Don’t forget to join us for our AFSPA Live broadcast on our YouTube channel @afspacareson Thursday, Jan 26that 11:00am ET where we will be answering your questions about the new FSBP-Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan which we started offering this year

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Support for New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! In our first AFSPA Talks episode of 2023, AFSPA COO and host,  Kyle Longton, discusses some common New Year’s resolutions and the programs AFSPA offers to help you keep them. You can find a full outline of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan wellness programs at https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/.

For more information on the Financial Wellness Program, click here. 

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Care in Japan

Recent changes in access to military treatment facilities (MTFs) have had an outsize effect on DoD civilians in Japan. This episode reviews coverage and programs available to members in Japan – and in many cases around the world – and how to access these benefits. 

For more information about vHealth, please visit https://vhealth-teladochealth.com/en. 

For more information about Livongo chronic condition support, visit get.livongo.com/FSBP 

For a list of our overseas direct billing partners, visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/overseas/. 

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Welcome to FSBP

On this episode of AFSPA Talks, Kyle Longton welcomes 1,700+ new enrollees who joined FSBP during open season: an overview of the Plan and how it works. We also included a bit about the changes for 2023 for long-time members. Learn more about some of the features mentioned in this episode:

 

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks About More Than Health

This week, we shift our focus from FSBP to everything else AFSPA does. Sr. Director of Ancillary Insurance Programs Adrienne Coleman-Seabrooks provides an overview of our other offerings, from insurance to professional services. Listen for a special announcement about our Group Enhanced Life (GEL) program.

For more information about AIP offerings, visit https://www.afspa.org/aip/. 

AFSPA Talks Season 12 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks COVID-19 Three Years Later

Today, we bring you something a bit different than our typical episode. It was just over three years ago, in March 2020, when COVID-19 profoundly changed life for most of us. The last three years had profound effects on healthcare around the world – how it’s delivered, how data is used, and how we approach issues at a population level. 

Dr. Timothy Foggin of Teladoc Health Canada brings his experience and expertise in family medicine, population health, and international healthcare management to this topic. The discussion covers issues of population health, pandemic preparation, telehealth, and the future of care delivery. 

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Infertility Awareness

A recent WHO study concluded that 1 in 6 adults around the world experiences infertility in their lifetime. Procedures for diagnosing and treating infertility have come a long way in recent decades, and health insurance coverage around these procedures continues to evolve. In 2023, the Foreign Service Benefit Plan ( FSBP) offered coverage of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures for the first time.

In this episode, we share with you again an interview with Dr. Jordan Pritzker on the topics of infertility and treatment initially shared in December 2022. 

  • FSBP Prior approval for ART procedures – 800-923-2220
  • FSBP Fertility Advocate – 833-415-1709
  • Institutes of Excellence (IOE) Infertility Providers – www.aetnainfertilitycare.com

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Mental Health, Women's Health, and More

This week, we bring you an overview of health topics for the month of May: Mental Health Awareness Month, Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Better Speech and Hearing Month, and Women’s Health Week. There are a number of programs mentioned in this episode, and here are links to those:

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Autism Awareness

This episode has been in the works for more than a month. April was Autism Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 36 people are diagnosed with autism, but many of us understand little about the diagnosis. Today, Heather Buzbee of Brightline Health joins us to share her experience as a practitioner and a parent and help us understand this condition. In this interview, we learn about diagnoses, the uniqueness of each person diagnosed with autism, prevalent struggles faced by people with autism, and more. 

PLEASE NOTE: There is a brief discussion of mental illness and suicidality in this episode. 

Learn more about Brightline Health at www.hellobrightline.com/fsbp

For support with autism and other needs, contact the FSBP Care Management Team at 1-800-593-2354. 

AFSPA Talks Season 13 Episodes

Episode 1

AFSPA Talks Travel Insurance

It’s summer, and for many of us, that means some travel. These days, travel is rarely without some interruption or challenge, and there’s help available when the unexpected becomes inevitable. AFSPA’s Sr. Director for Ancillary Insurance Programs Adrienne Seabrooks joins us to help demystify travel insurance and tell us what to look for when considering policies.

This month, AFSPA wants to see your best vacation or travel photos. The photos don’t have to be from 2023, and they don’t have to include you (but we encourage it). Ten people will be selected to win a FREE AFSPA Surprise Pack. There are two ways to enter:

  1. Tag @afspacares on Facebook or Instagram in your favorite vacation or travel photos. Make sure to include the hashtag “#AFSPATravelAdventure” to have your photo considered. 
  2. Email your photos to outreach@afspa.org. 

 

The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 24, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST. We will select the winners in the first week of August and notify them by email. 

Links discussed in today’s episode:

AFSPA’s travel insurance plans: www.afspa.org/travel

CDC Traveler’s Health site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/

Episode 2

AFSPA Talks Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer and 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. As we spend more time in the sun due to summertime, it is important to know the different types of skin cancer, how to prevent it, and what treatments are available. To help us understand more about skin cancer, we have Leah B. Jacobson, Sr. Medical Director at Aetna joining us.

Links discussed in today’s episode:
UV Awareness blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog/unveiling-the-dangers-of-uv-rays/
Everybody Deserves a Massage blog: https://www.afspa.org/blog/get-a-massage-on-us-you-deserve-it/
Teladoc: https://teladoc.com/

If you haven’t already, make sure you have completed the Foreign Service Benefit Plan Member Satisfaction survey! You can find the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/mm30TVftrN

Episode 3

AFSPA Talks Back to School Mental Health

For many of us, the end of August means a return to school. That transition can come with a number of changes and challenges. Today, we explore some of the mental health challenges that may arise and how parents can promote mental wellness for their kids of all ages. Jodi Harris, LCSW, of Active and Connected Family Therapy brings her unique experience as both a mental health professional working with Foreign Service families and an EFM herself to the discussion. 

Jodi also will be our guest on AFSPA Live at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 31. Join us on YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn. 

Resources discussed on today’s show: 

Good Inside by Becky Kennedy: https://www.goodinside.com/book/

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/

Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David C. Pollock and Ruth Van Reken: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/121920.Third_Culture_Kids

Foreign Service Youth Foundation: https://www.fsyf.org/

Active & Connected Families Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-connected-families/id1547081877

Families in Global Transition: https://www.figt.org/

Episode 4

AFSPA Talks Women's Pelvic Health

Today, AFSPA welcomes Dr. Kandis Daroski, PT, DPT, to our show to discuss a new offering from Hinge Health: their Women’s Pelvic Health program. Dr. Kandis talks through common pelvic floor issues and how they manifest themselves and how they are typically treated (or more commonly not). She then talks through the innovative solution offered for treating pelvic floor disorders – remote exercise and physical therapy from Hinge Health. This program is available to FSBP members beginning October 1, 2023. 

Visit https://hinge.health/fsbp-podcast to learn more about all the programs from Hinge Health.

Find more information about how meditation can help with pelvic health: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pain-and-the-whole-body/202309/how-meditation-can-support-pelvic-health

Register for a Hinge Health webinar to learn more: https://hingehealth.zoom.us/webinar/register/7616960129707/WN_nNXZdYArRpu56qeUXqkmzA 
Did you know that many women experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) for years without realizing it? Join Dr. Kandis Daroski and Dr. Bijal Toprani, two pelvic health experts from Hinge Health, for an insightful discussion about pelvic health and how to care for it.

Please note: This webinar is designed for those with female vaginal anatomy and is hosted by Hinge Health, a covered insurance benefit that employees on certain healthcare plans have access to. Please confirm with your employer if you qualify for Hinge Health.

Episode 5

AFSPA Talks Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program

In 2021, we offered an episode diving into the various options that are available for long-term care insurance. Shortly after we aired that program, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIS or LTCFEDS) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments and changes to existing enrollments, and the stoppage is expected to last through at least December 2024. At the same time, the program is going through a contract renewal which is resulting in premium increases for many enrollees. 

This week, we welcome back Federal retiree and benefits expert Tammy Flanagan of Retire Federal. She breaks down the basics of LTC insurance, how the Federal program works, what these rate increases may mean, and the options LTCFEDS enrollees have as these changes occur. Don’t miss this informative episode on a widely used Federal program. 

Links: 

Retire Federal – https://www.retirefederal.com/

Tammy’s previous episode on Federal Retirement Planning – https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/11388923-afspa-talks-federal-retirement-planning

AFSPA Talks Long Term Care Insurance episode – https://afspatalks.buzzsprout.com/1756283/9592735-afspa-talks-long-term-care

Tammy’s podcast “Plan Your Federal Retirement” – https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/podcasts/

Episode 6

AFSPA Talks Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Beginning in January 2024, many Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plans will be offering a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to their members. The Foreign Service Benefit Plan will be among them. This program will result in savings for our members aged 65 and older. Join us for a detailed discussion of PDPs generally and the specifics of the FSBP PDP. 

Mark your calendars for two upcoming discussions of the FSBP PDP: 

October 31, at 12 noon ET – We will offer a live webinar with an overview of the PDP and a chance for you to ask your questions. 

November 30 at 11 am ET – Our monthly AFSPA Talks program will focus on the PDP and offer another opportunity for you to get answers about this program. 

You can learn more at www.afspa.org/fsbp/pdp. 

If you have questions about the benefits under the PDP, please contact the dedicated Express Scripts line at 855-690-8353, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

For more information on Medicare Part D premiums, please visit https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/monthly-premium-for-drug-plans. Please see the 2024 chart at the bottom of the page (based on 2022 income).