---
title: Carrier stances on 2026 gag attestations
description: Issuers & plan sponsors must submit annual gag clause attestation by Dec 31. Check your carrier's stance & learn how to complete gag attestation here.
image: https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/Gag%20attestation%202026.jpg
---

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![Medical carrier stances on gag attestations](https://insights.bukaty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gag%20attestation%202026.jpg?width=600&height=400&name=Gag%20attestation%202026.jpg "Medical carrier stances on gag attestations")

# Carrier stances on 2026 gag attestations

Authored by  Bukaty Companies on November 9, 2026

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) prohibits group health plans and health insurance issuers from entering into agreements that restrict access to or disclosure of certain health care cost, quality-of-care and claims information. These prohibited contractual provisions are commonly known as gag clauses. To demonstrate compliance, applicable health plans and insurers must submit an annual Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation (GCPCA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Carrier procedures vary depending on the funding arrangement and the services provided. Some carriers submit attestations on behalf of fully insured and certain level-funded clients, while self-funded employers may need to complete the filing themselves.

## 2026 Carrier Positions

The following summarizes available carrier guidance for the 2026 attestation cycle. Employers should confirm their specific requirements with their carrier or Bukaty benefits consultant before the deadline. The table will be update as carrier positions become available. 

| **Issuer/Carrier/TPA** | **Fully insured** | **Level-funded** | **Self-funded / ASO** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Aetna** | No action needed by client | No action needed by client | No action needed by client |
| **Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS)** | No action needed by client | Client must attest\* *\*Clients that affirmatively opted in to BCBSKS attesting on their behalf by 10/30 do not need to attest* | Client must attest\* *\*Clients that affirmatively opted in to BCBSKS attesting on their behalf by 10/30 do not need to attest* |
| **Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC)** | No action needed by client | No action needed by client | Client must attest. Blue KC provides a [Confirmation of Compliance](https://www.bluekc.com/blueprint/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/2026GCPA-Confirmation-of-Compliance.pdf) to support clients with attestation. |
| Gravie | No action needed by client | No action needed by client | No action needed by client |
| **UHC** | No action needed by client | No action needed by client | Client must attest\*   UHC provides a [Confirmation of Compliance](https://www.uhc.com/content/dam/uhcdotcom/en/Legal/PDF/reform-caa-uhc-aso-gag-clause-confirmation-of-compliance.pdf) and Surest [Confirmation of Compliance](https://www.uhc.com/content/dam/uhcdotcom/en/Legal/PDF/reform-caa-gag-clause-surest-confirmation-of-compliance.pdf) to support clients with attestation.   \**Certain ASO clients* [*may request*](https://www.uhc.com/employer/news-strategies/caa-gag-clause-confirmation-of-compliance-now-available?utm_source=chatgpt.com#:~:text=Process%20for%20ASO%20Customers%20Requesting%20UnitedHealthcare%20Gag%20Clause%20Attestation) *that UHC attest on their behalf, subject to UHC's request and documentation deadlines.* |

## Preparing for the December 31 Deadline

Employers should take the following steps:

1. **Confirm your carrier's position.** Determine whether the carrier will submit the attestation on your behalf or whether your organization must file directly.
2. **Identify all applicable benefit arrangements.** Consider medical, pharmacy, behavioral health and other benefits that may involve separate administrators or vendor agreements.
3. **Review contractual compliance.** Work with legal counsel and service providers to identify any prohibited gag clauses, including those in applicable downstream agreements.
4. **Gather the required information.** Employers submitting their own attestations should collect the necessary plan and vendor information and review the official CMS instructions.

For official instructions and filing resources, visit the [CMS Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation page](https://www.cms.gov/marketplace/about/oversight/other-insurance-protections/gag-clause-prohibition-compliance-attestation).

 Blog Category: [Compliance](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/topic/compliance)

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