The Foreign Service Journal, June 2021

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2021 79 ment claims to the CFP clinicians who authored the cables detailing SNEA- eligible services and expenses, thus increasing the efficiency of the process. Using E2 in this way also provides families much greater privacy and control over a reimbursement process that previously involved much more interaction with nonclinicians. The claims will first be routed to MED/CFP for review and approval; then to the post finance office for fiscal data and veri- fication of funds under the allowance; and finally, to the post support unit for certification. FLO: Is there a formal appeals pro- cess? How do families appeal a SNEA denial? CFP: MED established a SNEA appeals process in 2020. When a fam- ily receives an adverse SNEA decision (either complete or partial denial of requested services), they are informed of the appeals process. If desired, the family requests to begin the appeals process by contacting the Medical Review Panel chair. The fam- ily provides a detailed, written descrip- tion of the reasons for appeal to the MRP chair, who passes this information to the panel members, including two overseas RMO/Ps and one domestic or overseas RMO who have not had any prior contact with or direct knowledge of the case. A CFP specialist presents the case to the panel and answers any questions members have. Panel members then vote, and their recommendations are presented to MED’s chief medical officer who issues a final determination. The MRP chair then notifies the family. For More Information. When families begin the process of navigating SNEA, FLO wants them to have a clear idea of how things work and where to go for answers. We encourage anyone with additional questions to reach out directly to the CFP team and to FLO for contin- ued support and resources. Contact the FLO E&Y team at FLOAskEducation@state.gov, by phone at (202) 647-1076 or online at www.state.gov/flo/education. Families may find it helpful to read through the 3 FAM 3280 SNEA and the DSSR 271 Education Allowance. n