Helping Seniors Better Understand Medicare Advantage Plans

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2021, more than 4 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare advantage plans combine all the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B into a single plan provided by a private insurer. However, like other health insurance programs, navigating Medicare Advantage can be challenging and confusing, leading to costly mistakes. To help seniors better understand Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia, there is a resource that discusses the different available plans, coverage, and costs involved. You can view the guide here.

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AAFSW Seeking BookStore Manager

AAFSW is seeking a manager for our BookStore. The deadline for application is December 24, 2022. Please submit an e-mail indicating interest along with a copy of your resume, or CV, or equivalent to akauzlar@gmail.com and kennedy.pat@hotmail.com. A job description and outline of specific duties are below. Duties: The Manager’s duties encompass the management of the AAFSW BookRoom, and BookStore at Foggy Bottom and supports the annual Art&BookFair. The Book Operations Manager works closely with and reports to the Chair of the Art&Book Fair. The specific duties are outlined below.  Hours and Location: Actual hours worked are set by the Manager, using good judgment to accomplish the tasks.  It is expected that… Read More

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2022 AAFSW Dorman Award Recipient — Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen, PhD

Congratulations to Dr. Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen for receiving the 2022 AAFSW Dorman Award. An active AAFSW Art and Book Fair Volunteer since 2014, Dr. Joanna Athanasopoulos Owen served as the elected AAFSW President from 2016 to 2020. As a trained geophysicist, gemologist, and environmental management consultant who seeks collaboration with local universities at post, Joanna appreciates the importance of eligible family member (EFM) employment and, in 2017-2018, she successfully advocated for a sound solution to safeguard EFM and EPAP work opportunities. In 2018, Joanna conceived and implemented AAFSW’s “Twice Exceptional” Merit Scholarship, designed to reward academic excellence annually to two Foreign Affairs’ students who, despite special needs, have overcome adversity.… Read More

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Director General Bernicat on Her Goals as Director General of the State Department, the Future, and More

AAFSW recently had the pleasure of learning more about the newest Director General of the Foreign Service, Marcia Bernicat, her goals for her tenure as Director General, where she sees the State Department in the future, and more. Check out our interview with her, below. AAFSW: How have you found your first months as Director General?  Director General Bernicat: A whirlwind of activity and very rewarding. I feel privileged to be able to serve as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent for the Department of State at this critical time. It’s truly my dream job, helping lead the Department’s efforts to recruit, retain, develop, and empower our greatest resource —… Read More

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