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COMMITMENT TO SERVICESPRING 2016paula’s perspectiveWelcome to the new AFSPA INACTION Spring Newsletter. Theprimary focus of the FIRSTEDITION of the Spring newsletteris your health and wellness. Youalso will find updates from Aetnaand Express Scripts, our partnersin the industry, be introduced toour IT team and find informationabout our new Disability IncomeProtection Plan.We remain committed toproviding members with benefits and programs to helpget them healthy and remain healthy. Your wellness is amain focus for us and over the years the Foreign ServiceBenefit Plan (FSBP) has added programs and services tosupport your goals. In 2016, we began offering a new and freshcomprehensive Living Well Together program that “SurroundsYou with Care.” Our Wellness Incentive Program is designedto give you choices to take that first step with the Health RiskAssessment, Biometric Screening, and Healthy Actions.In our effort to provide you information that fits yourindividual situation, we have structured a segment in thisnewsletter to focus on you and your condition – then matchour programs to your needs. See the full chart on pages 6 and7. I hope you will find this format helpful as you continue yourjourney to better health.We are pleased to introduce our 2016 theme,"Commitment to Service.” Our entire AFSPA team strivesevery day to provide the service you deserve. In some cases, Ibelieve we have fallen a bit short of your expectations and weare working through our “growing pains” to provide the highlevel of service you have come to expect; thus our 2016 theme.We take your comments very seriously and you will learn ofour actions in this regard on page 10.As our membership continues to grow, it is vital that wenot only keep pace with our service level, but also provideprograms to meet the changing needs of our members. Ournew Disability Income Protection Plan offered by CIGNAdoes just that, including benefits for pregnancy. Along withour existing plan offered by Lloyd’s of London, with theunique Lump Sum Benefit Option, the addition of the CIGNAplan offers AFSPA members the choice that best suits theirindividual needs. Please read more on page 2.The Protective Association works every day to deliverthe level of service our members have come to expect. Thisdemonstrates our ongoing “Commitment to Service.” Pleaseenjoy our new Spring newsletter and let us know what youthink by emailing outreach@afspa.org.In the midst of government and healthcare changes,AFSPA and FSBP continue to focus on you and your healthand to provide you with information and programs that canhave a positive effect on your quality of life.Thank you for your trust in us and for giving us theopportunity to serve you.To your health.Paula S. Jakub, RHUCEO, AFSPAHighlightsAFSPA’s NewDisability PlanLiving WellTogetherAFSPA Staffin Actionpage 2pages 6-7pages 10-11
Ancillary Insurance ProgramsNew Disability PlanBy Gina WeatherupAs a Federal employee, your work makes a difference everyday. AFSPA exists to support you. The AFSPA team overseeingAncillary Insurance Programs heard that the short-termdisability plan offered through Lloyd’s of London did not meet allof our members’ needs. In response to this feedback, we reachedout to another long-time partner to create an additional plan.AFSPA asks the questionWhat If What if you are in a car accident? Some estimate there is onecrash every minute in the U.S., though people drive – andcrash – all around the world. Imagine the sudden jerk of thecar during impact, the immediate feeling of shock. Imagine thepain. You are taken to a hospital and you get the best medicalcare possible. The good news is you will recover. However, thedoctors tell you it will be a long process and you will need anintensive course of physical therapy before you are able toreturn to work. As you concentrate on building your strengthand recovering from traumatic injuries, how will you pay yourbills?As a Federal employee, it is almost certain you have sickleave available. The question is: do you have enough?If not, you have two options: you can work with humanresources and your coworkers to request shared leave, ifFinancialWellne .From John F. Ermer, CPAjermer@bhcbcpa.comTax scams have increased this past taxseason. They involve emails or phonecalls that purport to be from the IRS. Theemail scams often lead to realistic lookingIRS websites. These sites encourage youto provide private information that canbe used in identity theft. The IRS usuallymakes first contact through a letter.If you get a phone call or email fromsomeone purporting to representthe IRS, it is most likely a fraud. Youcan forward suspicious emails tophishing@irs.gov.For IRS phone calls, get a name andbadge number, and then call the IRSat 1-800-366-4484 to determine if theindividual is an actual IRS employee.Good luck to you all!2 Spring 2016available, or you can make the proactive decision to purchase ashort-term disability plan now. As of February 1, 2016, AFSPAoffers its members a choice between two prime disabilityplans.The Lloyd’s of London Disability Income ProtectionInsurance plan provides participants with 60% of theirannual salary, up to 5,000 a month, for up to two years. Thisplan also offers an optional Lump Sum Benefit of 250,000,or up to five times your annual salary, whichever is less. Thereis an application process and acceptance is dependent on yourhealth status. It also excludes injuries suffered as a result ofwar or terrorism.The CIGNA Global Health Benefits plan has only onerequirement for enrollees: they must work at least 30 hours aweek. There is no application process; thus, no one is turnedaway. This plan covers injuries and illnesses that occur as aresult of war or terrorism, in addition to other causes. It alsocan be used for maternity – much like the short-term disabilityplans offered in six states and to District of Columbiagovernment employees. CIGNA’s short-term disabilitycoverage pays enrollees 60% of their annual salary, up to 5,000 a month. Enrollees choose between a two-year benefitperiod and a five-year benefit period at the time of enrollment.A short-term disability plan is not right for everyone.AFSPA recommends members consider puchasing a plan ifthey are new to Federal service, anticipate needing maternityleave in the future, or are simply seeking additional peace ofmind. Rate calculators and additional information, includinglimitations for pre-existing conditions for both plans areavailable at: www.afspa.org/disability.Explore what AFSPA can do for you DENTAL AFSPA offers four dental plans to meet the needs of ourworldwide membership - Cigna International, Cigna HMO, CignaPPO, and Dominion USA.TAX CONSULTING Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Berger, P.C.offers AFSPA members a complimentary 20-minute consultation for allyour tax questions and a 10% discount on standard hourly rates.MEMBERS OF HOUSEHOLD Health coverage designedfor family members – this includes domestic partners, parents, anddependent children who accompany the employee overseas, but whodo not qualify for coverage under the Federal Employees HealthBenefits Program.GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE AFSPA’s policy offerssimple term life insurance that provides you and your family protectionup to 600,000. It covers death from any cause, including acts ofterrorism or war.GROUP DISABILITY INCOME PROTECTIONINSURANCE Our Disability Plans can assist you during a timeperiod when you are not bringing in any or very little income due toa medical disability. These plans provide stateside and internationalcoverage.FINANCIAL / LONG TERM CARE PLANNINGAFSPA members receive retirement analysis and long term carestrategies.
AFSPAAFSPAPAPA waantsants to thankthank tthosehose whoparticipppaarticicipipapapatattettedeedd inn thtthehe 220162001166 AnnualAnnnnualMeetinMeetingMee t in oeetineeonnFFriday,r id aay,ayy, MaMarcharcch 4, 20162016.6.Thee mThmeemmemmbersmberbers whowho attendedattended ssawaw AFSPA’sAFSPA’A’snewnew hheaeaaadquartersdquar ters anandd llearnedearna ed about nnewewdevedeveeloplopmmentsents at AAFSPA.FSPA . ThThee mmeetinge e ting wwasaslleded bbyy BoBoardBoard CChairman,hairman, ThThomasomas MM. TTracy,rac y,CEOO,, POPaauaaulaula S. JJakubakub anandd COO,COOOO, KyKylel LLongton.ongtongton.Meembermberrss lilistenedistened toto ppresentationsresentations thathaiincnccludedluded a yyear-in-reviewear-in-review off AAFSPA,FSPAPAPA , a briefbriiefovveerviewoer i w off FEHB,ervieFEHB, nnewew benefits ini theh 20120166FSSBPSB , inBPnformationnformation on theh restructuredrestructs uc uredLiivvinvingi gWWellell TTogetherogether WeWellnessWllness Program,Program, ananddiinnformanformataationiono on MMedicare.edicare. EEveryonever yone whowhoattttendetended aaskeds ke d qquestionsuestions anandd ggaveave feedfeedbackbacthhroughhroughhoutout ththee meeting.meeting. TheThe overalloverala l eventevent wwasassuuccessfccessfulfu bbecauseecause off theh iinteractionteractac io betweentthehe AAFSFSPSSPAPA membersPAb anandd theh AFSPAAFSPA tteam.eam.PleasePlease eneenjoynj thesenjoytheh se picturesif o thefromh 20120166AnnualAnAnnual MMeeting.eettiing.Commitment to Service 3
Focus on ServicesHealth Coaches Share FSBP SuccessesTrestleTree is a health transformationorganization working to enhance healthybehaviors. It is one of the services that FOREIGNSERVICE BENEFIT PLAN (FSBP) members haveaccess to through the Plan. TrestleTree showsmeasurable and sustainable changes regardlessof one’s motivation level or the severity of thecondition. Their outcomes have proven to lowerhealthcare costs. Please read this article to learnmore about the services from TrestleTree.TrestleTree Health Coaches work with FSBP members andunderstand that making changes is not easy, that we all getstuck with our health at times, and that life can get “messy.”Your Health Coach will explore ways that you can makechanges to quit using tobacco, lose weight, and improve yourexercise and nutrition. And the best thing is that you don’thave to be “ready” to make changes to join health coaching.Even if you just are thinking about making a change, aTrestleTree Health Coach can help. Read how Health Coacheshave achieved some successes with FSBP members:TOBACCO CESSATION: “One FSBP member had smokedfor more than 40 years and was having health concerns. Weworked to put together a plan for quitting that included alook back at previous quit attempts, identifying triggers,and changing her habits and routines. We also exploredsmall changes with her nutrition and exercise that wouldprevent weight gain as well as identified activities thatwould bring her joy. She quit smoking, found healthierways to eat, and started a realistic exercise plan. She beganto breathe better. A follow-up chest x-ray also showedinternal improvement! It was definitely a change and it wasworth it!”WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: “This FSBP member felt“Through health coaching, Ifeel energized and out of thefunk I was in last year!– FSBP Member”Spring Forward with Your HealthWith the start of Springtime, it is a natural time to focuson your health and to get on track with your health goals.FSBP offers a free and confidential health coachingprogram to help you. All FSBP members can work with aTrestleTree Health Coach free of charge to achieve yourhealth goals! With the Simple Steps to Living Well Togetherprogram, you can talk over the telephone with a trainedhealthcare professional to improve your health and wellbeing. This program is about you and your health. YourHealth Coach will get to know you and how best to help youas an individual. This program is not about simply tellingyou what to do; and it is not about telling everyone to dothe same thing. You have an opportunity to learn the smallchanges that can make a huge improvement in your health based on your unique health and life story!4 Spring 2016somewhat hopeless because her weight had gone up anddown frequently over the years. In health coaching, wefocused on helping her to come up with a long-term planfor eating healthier. She learned how to be more consistentwith exercise and developed a plan that would be easier tomaintain over time. She started some of the changes andlost 10 pounds! She was excited about her progress and feltshe could keep improving her health over time!”EXERCISE: “Weight management and stress were theproblem areas for this FBSP member. She was willing togive health coaching a try even when other things hadnot worked in the past. We worked on consistent activity,healthy food choices, and water intake. The biggest changewas finding a way to get 10,000 steps a day from walking orusing videos. She lost five pounds and thought her changeshelped her blood pressure. She enjoyed the health coachingand how it kept her on track. She said it gave her anincentive to keep going when she knew I would be calling!”NUTRITION: “I had an FSBP participant who came intocoaching very skeptical. She was willing to try what wediscussed during our first appointment, particularlyaround what she was eating. She made some changes inthe foods and frequency of her meals. During our nextappointment, she was overjoyed and told me how muchbetter she was feeling. She said she now saw the benefits ofhealth coaching and wanted to continue after that!”
“After my first fourappointments with myTrestleTree Health Coach, Ifelt like I had pulled myselfout of a sinking hole!– FSBP Member”Get Connected TodayYour health journey is an individualized journey. Talk withyour own TrestleTree Health Coach today through the freeand confidential Simple Steps to Living Well program offeredby FSBP. Through conveniently scheduled appointmentsover the telephone, you will have a trained healthcareprofessional who is there to provide guidance, support,and resources to help you achieve optimal health. Call tollfree today at 1-855-406-5122 to find out more and to getstarted toward your health goals. You can also enroll onlineat http://enroll.trestletree.com (passcode: FSBP). Jumpforward with your health this Spring!FSBP Wellness IncentivesProgram for 2016Many years ago, FSBP changed from being an insurance planthat just paid benefits for services rendered as a result ofillness/accident. We shifted to a health plan that focused onhealth and wellbeing. The goal is to keep you healthy.As explained in the 2015 AFSPA in Action Fall Newsletter,we revamped our wellness program, Simple Steps to LivingWell Together. By following the simple steps below, you canearn up to 250 in wellness incentives! Please see the Plan’s2016 Wellness Brochure mailed to you in last fall’s OpenSeason packet or review the 2016 FSBP Brochure online atwww.afspa.org/fsbp, both of which explain the Program ingreater detail.Step 1: Complete the Plan’s Health Risk Assessment (HRA)online through My Online Services or by calling1-866-237-1442 or 1-479-973-7149. After you completethe HRA you can obtain a 100 gift card* from a variety ofmerchants/retailers. NOTE: You must complete the HRA byDecember 1, 2016.Step 2: Complete a Biometric Screening at a QuestDiagnostics Patient Service Center or obtain the screeningfrom your physician by having your physician complete aBiometric Screening Physician Results Form and submit it toQuest Diagnostics. A Biometric Screening is done generallyduring a routine physical examination. You must completethe HRA to be eligible for this incentive. After you completethe Screening, you can obtain a 100 gift card* from avariety of merchants/retailers. NOTE: You must completethe Biometric Screening or submit the form by December 9,2016. The gift card incentives may have tax implications. Pleaseconsult with your tax advisor.Step 3: Complete a Healthy Action as described in theWellness Brochure by participating in one of the Plan’s manywellness programs and earn 50 to be deposited in a WellnessIncentive Coventry Fund Account to reimburse you forcertain unreimbursed medical expenses. You must completethe HRA and the Biometric Screening to be eligible for thisincentive. NOTE: You must complete the Healthy Action byDecember 31, 2016.Commitment to Service 5
Living Well Together?How Can We Help You AchieveWellness and Maintain Health?9Through Living Well Togetherand Surrounding You With CareHave or NeedHelp with Because we offer a variety of programs in addition to our generousbenefits, sometimes the condition for which an individual memberneeds help gets lost. Therefore, we present this chart from the focus ofWhat is My Condition? Then, we identify the intervention(s) availableto achieve wellness and maintain your health. Although we provide abrief description here, we reference pages in the FSBP Brochure fora more complete description of the benefit or program. Please reviewthe programs of interest to you. Feel free to call us at(202) 833-4910, if you have questions.Review Program/Brochure Page #Level of Intensity * /What Does It Do?Disease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– Provides nurse support; education aboutthe disease and how it affects the body;medical management to help lead ahealthier lifestyleCall 1-800-579-5755 or e-mailFSBPhealth@aetna.comDigital coaching (online)p. 85Basic– Creates an individualized plan forsuccessful behavior changeAccess My Online Services atwww.AFSPA.org/FSBPHealth coaching p. 83Personalized– Dialogue with a coach– Work one-on-one with a Health Coachto improve your health over the phonethrough scheduled appointmentsCall 1-855-406-5122 or1-479-973-7168; or visithttp://enroll.trestletree.com(passcode FSBP)TherapEasep. 85Basic– Provides online nutritional informationfor cancer patientsVisitwww.therapeasecuisine.comCancer ManagementProgram p. 85Personalized– Offers Nurse involvement– Provides Education and supportCall 1-800-593-2354CholesterolmanagementDigital coaching (online)p. 85Basic– See Digital coaching aboveAccess My Online Services atwww.AFSPA.org/FSBPChronic kidneydiseaseDisease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– See Disease Management Program aboveCall 1-800-579-5755 or isease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– See Disease Management Program aboveCall 1-800-579-5755 or e-mailFSBPhealth@aetna.comCongestiveheart failureDisease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– See Disease Management Program aboveCall 1-800-579-5755 or e-mailFSBPhealth@aetna.comCoronaryartery diseaseDisease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– See Disease Management Program aboveCall 1-800-579-5755 or e-mailFSBPhealth@aetna.comEmotionalConcernsDigital coaching (online)p. 85Basic- See Digital coaching aboveAccess My Online Services atwww.AFSPA.org/FSBPHealth coaching p. 83Personalized– Dialogue with a coach– See Health coaching aboveCall 1-855-406-5122 or1-479-973-7168; or visit http://enroll.trestletree.com (passcode FSBP)myStrengthTM – onlinemental health supportprogram p. 86PersonalizedVisit www.mystrength.com, select– Offers Interactive dialogue“Sign-up” and enter code “FSBP”– Provides evidence-based resources to overcome depression, anxiety, & substance abuseAsthmaBlood managementAnxietyHow Do I Participate?* Basic is generally an online interaction. Personalized generally involves one-on-one interaction (either online or telephonic) to discussindividual concerns as it is a more intensive process.6 Spring 2016
Have or NeedHelp with Review Program/Brochure Page #Level of Intensity * /What Does It Do?How Do I Participate?DiabetesDisease ManagementProgram p. 84Personalized– See Disease Management Program onprevious pageCall 1-800-579-5755 or e-mailFSBPhealth@aetna.comDigital coaching (online)p. 85Basic– See Digital coaching on previous pageAccess My Online Services atwww.AFSPA.org/FSBPHealth coachingp. 83Personalized– Dialogue with a coach– See Health coaching on previous pageCall 1-855-406-5122 or1-479-973-7168; or visithttp://enroll.trestletree.com(passcode FSBP)Digital coaching (online)p. 85Basic– See Digital coaching on previous pageAccess My O
short-term disability plan now. As of February 1, 2016, AFSPA offers its members a choice between two prime disability plans. The Lloyd’s of London Disability Income Protection Insurance plan provides participants with 60% of their annua
