Podcast
AFSPA Talks
Hosted by AFSPA · EN
This is an informational and educational podcast by the American Foreign Service Protective Association (AFSPA), featuring Chief Executive 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.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AFSPA Talks Teladoc Care Options
6d ago00:28:16Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, we continue our focus on men's health but expand it to care options for everyone. Removing barriers to care makes it easier for everyone to get the support they need, and that's exactly what we discuss today. Members of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan have access to a variety of telehealth and chronic care management options through our partnership with Teladoc Health. Chris Eastburn from Teladoc provides us with an overview of the various programs and how they can help all our members. For more information on FSBP care options, visit www.afspa.org/fsbp. To see our upcoming events, visit www.afspa.org/events.Join us for AFSPA Live on June 25. Submit your questions in advance at: https://forms.office.com/r/9FuRJC76sN.Don't miss open enrollment in AFSPA's disability insurance program through June 30. Learn more and enroll at www.afspa.org/aip/disability.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Men's Health
3w ago00:43:28Tap to summarizeStatistically speaking, men are less likely to seek care, both for prevention and treatment. This applies to physical health and mental/behavioral health. In recent years, this discrepancy has led to a widening gap in life expectancy between men and women. We discussed these differences, the importance of care for men, and even dived into some trends with Dr. Kelly Ruel, Sr. Medical Director for Aetna/CVS Health. To learn more about topics discussed in today's episode, please visit:AFSPA Events - https://www.afspa.org/eventsFSBP Preventive Care, Virtual Care, and Wellness Programs - https://www.afspa.org/fsbp/wellness-programs/
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Maternity Journeys
May 1800:29:17Tap to summarizeNational trends indicate that more people are waiting until a bit later in life before considering their options. Some plan months or years in advance before starting the journey, while others make plans quickly when they find out a new addition is on the way. Growing a family looks different for each of us. Last year, more than 700 FSBP members gave birth and grew their families in locations around the world. For FSBP members at any stage of the fertility, maternity, or parenting journey, they can access support through Maven Clinic. As part of Maternity May, we welcome Dr. Kathleen Green from Maven to talk about their support program and how members can benefit from this free, global offering. You can ask your own questions to Dr. Green during this month's AFSPA Live on May 28 at 11 am ET. To enroll in Maven Clinic, please visit www.mavenclinic.com/join/FSBP To learn more about our upcoming programs, please visit www.afspa.org/events.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Long Term Disability Insurance
May 400:25:43Tap to summarizeAFSPA is happy to announce that we recently launched a new long-term disability insurance plan in partnership with Prudential. This new plan offers a variety of ways to customize coverage based on your salary and how long of a benefit period you want. To learn the ins and outs of the new plan, we welcome back Nicole Devlin from Prudential to the program. To learn more about the new plan, please visit www.afspa.org/aip/disability. To see all of our upcoming events, please visit www.afspa.org/events.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks FSBP Claims
Apr 2700:37:56Tap to summarizeWe continue All about AFSPA April with a deep dive into claims. Last year, the Foreign Service Benefit Plan processed more than 2.28 million claims from members all around the world. These included more than half a million overseas claims and thousands of massage therapy claims. If you've ever wondered how we do it, this episode is for you. Kelli Rath from Aetna walks us through the processes, challenges, and successes of processing claims from our unique, worldwide membership. For more information on claims, please visit www.afspa.org/fsbp/claims. For all of AFSPA's upcoming events, visit www.afspa.org/events.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Foreign Service Benefit Plan
Apr 1300:23:05Tap to summarizeWelcome to All About AFSPA April! In today's episode, we are discussing the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. With AFSPA's Sr. Director of Health Operations, Igor Cherevko, we visit some of the most frequently asked questions and common topics that our Health Benefits Officers encounter. Drug Pricing Tool: https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/commercial-open-enrollment/afspaforeignservicebenefitplan/plans/68c2cfb07c0b92001c878c32/apps/medication#/Lyra Health: Call 1-877-505-7147 or visit https://www.lyrahealth.com/. Truman Group: https://trumangroup.com/ For more information on FSBP, visit www.afspa.org/fsbp.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Medicare Advantage
Mar 3000:32:57Tap to summarizeTo close out Medicare March, we're taking some time to look at the most popular Medicare program in the country: Medicare Advantage Plans (MAPs). Dr. Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Medicare at Aetna, joins us to talk about the plans in general and dive into the specifics of the FSBP - Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan. Join us for a great conversation about the ins and outs of MAPs, how FSBP members can take advantage of savings and support opportunities, and for some general tips on care as we all age. For more information on the FSBP - Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan, please visit www.fsbphealth.com/retiree. For more on how FSBP works with Medicare generally and other options available, please visit https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/. To learn more about our upcoming events, go to www.afspa.org/events.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Medicare PDP
Mar 2300:19:58Tap to summarizeIn 2026, FSBP changed its High Option prescription drug benefits. The result: many people are paying more out of pocket for their drugs. For those enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, there is an option available to save money: the FSBP-Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). We revisit this program in today's episode with Tavares Johnson from Evernorth/Express Scripts. Tavares began his career at Express Scripts in 2008 as a Patient Care Advocate, where he gained valuable experience supporting members, pharmacists, and physicians. His dedication and problem-solving skills led to a promotion to Resolution Team Lead, a role in which he partnered closely with account management and clients to resolve complex member issues.In 2013, Tavares was promoted to Senior Account Manager, where he began working with Medicare Part D clients and deepened his expertise in Medicare products and services. His comprehensive understanding of both member and client needs has been instrumental in driving successful outcomes.In 2024, Tavares was promoted to Senior Manager on the EGWP Market Strategy team, where he leads strategic initiatives to support Employer Group Retiree plans. His leadership and industry insight continue to make a meaningful impact across the organization.To learn more about the PDP and opt in to the program, please visit www.afspa.org/pdp. To review PDP drug pricing, please visit: https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/medicare-open-enrollment/fsbp. To review High Option drug pricing, please visit: www.express-scripts.com/fsbp Join us for AFSPA Live on March 26 at 11 am. You can submit your questions in advance, here: https://forms.office.com/r/wM8t8HqvDMRegister for other upcoming events at www.afspa.org/events.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Medicare and the FEHB in 2026
Mar 1600:45:29Tap to summarizeIn this podcast episode, AFSPA CEO Kyle Longton provides a comprehensive overview of how Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program work together. Learn about each part of Medicare - A, B, C, and D - and what factors you should consider when deciding whether to enroll in Part B. Please note: this presentation addresses only how Medicare and FEHB work together. It is not intended for audiences beyond those with FEHB coverage. The information is accurate as of March 13, 2026. For information on Part B premiums and Part D premiums/IRMAA amounts, please visit: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/115.... To learn more about signing up for Medicare, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.To learn more about the Foreign Service Benefit Plan and Medicare, visit: https://www.afspa.org/fsbp-and-medicare/Check out our events page here: www.afspa.org/events/.
Transcribe →AFSPA Talks Retire Federal
Feb 2300:32:33Tap to summarizeThe last year has been marked by record numbers of federal employees retiring from service. Making the decision to retire is never simple, and the considerations for federal employees are unique from any other group. Luckily, there are uniquely qualified advisors available, including our guest for this episode: Tammy Flanagan. She joins us to talk about changes to the retirement process and how she and her colleagues at Retire Federal can help assess retirement readiness. Learn more about Tammy Flanagan's work: Retirement Planning column for Government Executive: https://www.govexec.com/topic/retirement-planning/Work on Federal News Network: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/tag/tammy-flanagan/Retire Federal: https://www.retirefederal.com/Join us for AFSPA's Annual Meeting: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApdnelInxPpOrUWwrwRtWQHK6tRGvr-131W5CrN1-ZmfJrNFNBRT~AoT4rcYlVLw2IItcnh0s9MRHkhw0RCH8bwljb9hCwAKV7cePVcMYvKyCRgSubmit questions for AFSPA Live: https://forms.office.com/r/ePv8DKMtvdSee more upcoming AFSPA events: www.afspa.org/events
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