Bulletins

Each year self-funded plan sponsors must file the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee. Applicable employers should use one of four methods to calculate how much is owed and submit the information to the IRS using Form 720 by July 31. Detailed guidance on filling out Form 720...

Effective July 1, 2024, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) will update prescription drug lists (PDLs) for small (ACA and non-ACA) and large employer groups. Blue KC’s Medical Pharmacy Management Committee regularly reviews and updates PDLs for “drug safety, effectiveness, clinical...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the 2025 health savings account (HSA) contribution limits. Effective January 1, 2025, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,300 annually to their HSA. Those with family coverage may contribute up to $8,550 annually.

Starting April 29, 2024, members enrolled in the Cigna Open Access Plus network no longer have access to providers and hospitals in the Kansas City area’s Prime Healthcare System. Cigna said the decision stems from the inability to negotiate lower costs with the health system, resulting in inflated...

Starting in June, Cigna members will have access to a Humira biosimilar used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions for $0 out of pocket. The biosimilar costs nearly 85% less than Humira and will lower patient costs by approximately $3,500 annually.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) has added a new resource for members in need of a helping hand. The Blue KC Community Support Tool aggregates free and reduced-cost social service programs for those needing food, housing, transit, legal and other types of support.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) recently emailed employer groups who had Blue KC coverage for any period in 2023. Blue KC is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations...

Last week Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) issued emails and letters to plan sponsors who had coverage with the carrier for any period in 2023. BCBSKS is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the...

Aetna recently emailed employer groups who had Aetna coverage for any period in 2023. Aetna is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December 2021, insurance...

Aetna’s new online cost estimator tool allows members to compare the cost of medical services prior to setting an appointment. The tool provides average network and out-of-network costs for tests, office visits, selective surgeries, and procedures.