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FSBP COVID-19 Details & Updates >

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEOGreetings and Welcome to April 2020! The world has changed drasticallysince my March CEO message; COVID-19 has affected everyone aroundthe globe by changing the way we work and interact. But the AmericanForeign Service Protective Association (AFSPA) wants to support youduring these unique and challenging times.

01 | FSBP COVID-19 UpdatesCoronavirus (COVID-19) is a contagiousrespiratory illness that has flu-like symptoms.Confirmed coronavirus cases have reported mildto severe symptoms and in some cases, evendeath. On March 11, 2020, the World HealthOrganization characterized COVID-19 as apandemic – a global disease outbreak.

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) hasmade provisions, for a limited time, to addressthis crisis. This includes 100% coverage forCDC-approved COVID-19 testing and treatment,removing early refill prescription restrictions,and expanding telehealth/telemedicine services– domestically and overseas.

Your safety and security remain our top priority.We are simplifying your care, to protect the livesof you and your families.

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02 | Coronavirus and Your Mental Wellness

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unexpected fears and newanxieties such as – How long will this last? When will we be safe? Aremy loved ones okay?

In addition, most countries are attempting to prevent the spread ofCOVID-19 by requiring some degree of collective separation or “socialdistancing.” This keeps people from interacting closely or frequently,reducing the risk of spreading the virus. As a result, most schools,jobs, movie theaters, sporting events, and religious services havetemporarily discontinued operations.

Anxiety about all of this may make it difficult to sleep or concentrate.Concerns for getting proper care, matters related to finances, andfrustrations with the overall circumstances can overtake your mind.You also may experience mental stress from social distancing,adjusting to full-time telework, managing changed family dynamics, orjust plain boredom.

Manage your Mental Wellness. Be proactive and intentional inconnecting with others. Depression, loneliness, or stress may causeyour physical health to decline or chronic conditions to worsen. Takesteps to stay well.

Even in this unique crisis, you can manage your mental and emotionalhealth. Here are resources to help:

General Mental WellnessResources:

Topic Specific Resources:

FSBP Mental WellnessPrograms

Teleworking Successfully

Substance Abuse and MentalHealth ServicesAdministration

Social Distancing ActivityIdeas

Kids Health resources forparents, teens and kids

A Social DistancingCluttering/Cleaning Plan

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Learn more about Dental Infection ControlProcedures >

AFSPA Partnerships - Financial, Legal, and/or Tax guidance

03 | Dental Care During COVID-19Dental offices in the Dominion and Cignanetworks are limiting stateside appointments tothose with emergency needs (severe pain, acuteinfection, swelling, and/or persistent bleeding).This reduction-in-service followsrecommendations from the Center for DiseaseControl and Prevention and the American DentalAssociation. Cigna International also follows anyguidance given by the World HealthOrganization. During the COVID-19 pandemic,please delay any planned, non-urgent dentalcare. If you have questions, contact us at 202-833-4910. See the full guidelines and supportmeasures taken by Dominion and Cigna.

04 | Final ThoughtsWashington DC area COVID-19 restrictions have increased. The entireregion now is under a government mandated “stay-at-home” order. As aresult, AFSPA offices remain closed and our staff is handling dailyoperations remotely. To comply with the order and for the safety of ourstaff, AFSPA’s physical mail will be collected less frequently – meaningpaper claims processing may be delayed. We recommend filing claimselectronically for more immediate service. When possible, use yourAFSPA Member Portal, Aetna secure member website, and ExpressScripts site. While we anticipate minimal disruptions, we thank you inadvance for your patience and flexibility.

We hope you and your families stay safe. Takecomfort in knowing that AFSPA is monitoring theworldwide COVID-19 situation to properly supportyou. Thank you for your continued trust and ongoingloyalty.

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To Your Health,

Paula S. Jakub, RHUCEO, AFSPAExecutive Director, Senior Living Foundation

Please watch AFSPA’s 2020 Annual MemberMeeting video, recorded live on March 6th. Wealso recently mailed the 2020 Senior LivingFoundation (SLF) Newsletter to our ForeignService colleagues. Learn how the SLF charitysupports retired Foreign Service personnel andtheir spouses.

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