Bulletins

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires employers that offer prescription drug coverage to notify Medicare-eligible health plan participants whether their coverage is creditable or non-creditable. Prescription drug coverage is considered creditable if the benefits pay, on...

Nearly 25 years ago, the Department of Labor (DOL) adopted a rule allowing group health plan sponsors to issue plan-related notices and documents electronically under a safe harbor provision.

Each year sponsors of self-funded (including level-funded) plans must file the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee. Applicable employers must calculate the fee using one of four approved methods and submit payment to the IRS using Form 720 by July 31. Detailed instructions and ...

In April, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed into law the Consumer Protection and Accountability Act (SB 20), allowing regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operating in the state. Effective July 1, 2026, the law gives the state more oversight of PBMs, including licensing, rebate...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued Revenue Procedure 2026-4, establishing inflation-adjusted limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) for the 2027 calendar year. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and North Kansas City Health (NKC Health) reached an agreement ensuring that NKC Health’s hospital and clinics remain in-network for Blue KC members.

This month the IRS released 2027 penalty amounts assessed when applicable large employers (ALEs) - those with at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent (FTE) employees - fail to comply with coverage and affordability requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

In April, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed into law the Consumer Protection and Accountability Act (SB 20), allowing regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operating in the state. Effective July 1, 2026, the law gives the state more oversight of PBMs, including licensing, rebate...

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) requires insurance companies and employer-based plans to submit information regarding prescription and health care spending to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by June 1 of each year. 

Cigna is in active negotiations with HCA Midwest Health ahead of their expiring contract. HCA Midwest Health providers were recently sent a letter notifying them of the potential impact of failed negotiations. The current contract is set to expire on May 1, 2026. Members will receive a letter...