ECA is a Bureau in the Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R). ECA’s mission is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through a wide range of academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships.
ECA/EX plays a pivotal role in enabling ECA to deliver on its public diplomacy mission by providing support and resources to its customers and partners. EX is responsible for the overall administration and management of ECA, as well as providing general operational support to the Global Engagement Center (GEC), the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R/PPR) within R. The effective functioning of EX is crucial for ensuring that ECA’s exchange programs operate efficiently, aligning with the Department of State’s goals of fostering mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and those of other nations.
ECA/EX Executive Director has been delegated the responsibility to implement the ASPE program and provide oversight for ASPE, ensuring all aspects of the program align with ECA’s mission and operational requirements. Managing ASPE includes ensuring the program’s alignment with strategic objectives, managing budget allocations effectively, and overseeing the selection and performance of third-party administrators.
ASPE is a key component of the health and safety support provided to participants in the Department of State’s exchange programs managed by ECA. ASPE provides limited health benefits for covered medical expenses that participants might incur due to accidents or illnesses during their exchange program. The primary purpose of ASPE is to ensure that exchange participants have access to necessary medical care without facing undue financial hardship, thereby allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their exchange activities and experiences.
ASPE is not a traditional health insurance plan; instead, it operates as a self-funded, limited health care benefits plan specifically tailored to meet the needs of exchange participants. It covers an expansive array of medical services, including emergency medical expenses, aimed to support the well-being of participants while they are engaged in ECA-sponsored programs. Engineered as a safety net, the plan offers coverage up to a specified limit per covered injury or sickness.
It is important to note that ASPE does not cover routine healthcare and should be considered secondary to any primary insurance carried by the participant.
Additionally, ASPE coverage remains active for the entirety of the participant’s stay in the host country, including most travel directly to and from the host country for program orientations and activities. For participants on incoming exchanges funded by ECA, ASPE complies with the J-visa regulations, which mandates specific health coverage for exchange visitors to the United States. This ensures participants meet the necessary regulatory requirements for health coverage during their exchange experience.
By securing the services of a TPA for ASPE, the Department of State aims to continue EX efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of this crucial support mechanism. The TPA will be responsible for managing enrollment, verifying eligibility, processing claims, and providing customer support, among other duties. This partnership is intended to ensure exchange participants receive timely and appropriate medical care, supporting the overall objective of ECA’s exchange programs to promote mutual understanding and respect through educational and cultural exchanges.
