---
title: Bukaty Bulletins | Carrier Notice
description: Carrier Notice | Current, accurate information regarding legislation changes and other important news impacting employers and business operations.
---

[![Bukaty Companies logo](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/BukatyCompanies_April2016/layout/bukaty-logo-2015.png)](https://bukaty.com/)

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    - [Affordable Care Act (ACA)](https://www.bukaty.com/compliance-pages/affordable-care-act)
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    - [COBRA](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/cobra-administration)
    - [Combined Billing](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/combined-billing)
- [Payroll/Accounting](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting) 
    - [Payroll Administration](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/payroll-administration)
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    - [Accounting Services](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/accounting-services)

# Bulletins

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_158504099%20Blue%20KC%20affiliation.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/blue-kc-announces-affiliation-with-highmark-inc)

 December 16, 2025

## [Blue KC announces affiliation with Highmark Inc.](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/blue-kc-announces-affiliation-with-highmark-inc)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) announced late last week plans to affiliate with Highmark, a not-for-profit health insurer and the nation’s fifth largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. The arrangement is subject to a regulatory approval process, which could take six months or...

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/blue-kc-announces-affiliation-with-highmark-inc)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_211156620_Aetna_StLukes.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-agree-on-key-terms)

 December 8, 2025

## [Aetna, St Luke’s Health System agree on key terms](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-agree-on-key-terms)

Aetna notified Bukaty Companies this past week that it expects the contract renewal with St. Luke’s and Barnes-Jewish Health Systems to be finalized in coming days.

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-agree-on-key-terms)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_42007990-1.jpeg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-negotiations-ongoing)

 November 17, 2025

## [Aetna, St Luke’s Health System negotiations ongoing](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-negotiations-ongoing)

Aetna and its third-party administrator, Meritain Health, have started to notify members by mail that unless contract negotiations are completed by the end of the year, Saint Luke’s and Barnes-Jewish Health Systems will no longer be in-network.

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-st-lukes-health-system-negotiations-ongoing)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1407973654_600_400.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-to-adopt-new-pharmacy-benefit-manager-in-2026)

 October 15, 2025

## [Gravie to adopt new pharmacy benefit manager in 2026](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-to-adopt-new-pharmacy-benefit-manager-in-2026)

Starting January 2026, Gravie is partnering with [Express Scripts by Evernorth](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.bukaty.com%2Fe3t%2FCtc%2FDI%2B113%2Fcf9bY04%2FVW8bd97xx8--W9j88k447qxf-W5QKV2t5DFz-0N28qGxv3qgz0W95jsWP6lZ3myW5M7hSl99zWwZW4lYCc445wLbxW75HVBX5gKrNyVDWGWJ34rLGVW2bZLVV1r4RX8W4GqW6D8ncPZ-W4ZCDFV2nmvkJW4ydM1q4wvsbnW7hPDvp6WkJg3Mg9S7DbKlBNW4BlzW82grzk2W2TVCyB23wjWKN9k2S5bCfX4DVMm8wM6fFTL6W7yxsLJ2s8yk3W5VQ8mC1-VhWqW5x1TT89kn98NN6fxfzc_SSCvW87MMLC5r8NhVVq4hRZ7WBb-WN7wS24KwmbgxN36p7cTf5CFLW7M9Tzp2-Plv2W2PBB5z5H6XKfW4mK9rg7G0pk6W1pq8k43gSkXSW8dbSyw5SFb1QV6mWQS6n16DMW5Tk8JM6BSW2WW33WrsJ8M0YRPf1Pp00804&data=05%7C02%7Cebalint%40bukaty.com%7Ce1ff98892c864e41967408de0b58b93e%7Cd4d7215470154847a517f1229e68e85a%7C0%7C0%7C638960672894073374%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8G3SP0PxqLuB4%2BKltMzrb9Ige2Yjk9edfVwUXNFe9mg%3D&reserved=0) as the carrier’s new pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). This new partnership will create opportunities for savings and introduce new member-facing price transparency tools. The change impacts all Gravie groups and health...

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-to-adopt-new-pharmacy-benefit-manager-in-2026)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_128718550-1.jpeg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aca-2026-affordability-rate-increases)

 July 23, 2025

## [ACA 2026 affordability rate increases](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aca-2026-affordability-rate-increases)

The IRS recently issued [Revenue Procedure 2025-25](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-25-25.pdf), establishing the 2026 affordability threshold at 9.96% of annual household income. This is a nearly 1% increase from the 2025 threshold of 9.02%. The rate is used to determine the affordability of employer-sponsored health coverage and eligibility...

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aca-2026-affordability-rate-increases)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_942442919_smartshopperBCBSKS.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/smartshopper-rewards-members-for-using-price-comparison-tool)

 July 16, 2025

## [SmartShopper rewards members for using price-comparison tool](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/smartshopper-rewards-members-for-using-price-comparison-tool)

Throughout August, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas members can earn a $5 digital gift card for learning more about the [SmartShopper comparison tool](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Femail.bukaty.com%2Fe3t%2FCtc%2FDI%2B113%2Fcf9bY04%2FVWwqCZ5Lqj7KW7BF6Sv3HSSCzW6L2xF55z3ndPN72QT_j3qgz0W95jsWP6lZ3nBW6tkfF31Kt-XFW8RCMF-2qfKv2N4prp3CvsFTzN601B3b1cg43W2fJ0cB8yp2mBN2GcjKrzSxTGMkSP9YcZx0XW7Fb6sB42W9_SVW5jDP2p5wDKW66m_RW4lpzTgW8Hp8xN6RqJXmW8klcBR5X3x3PW87qJJN4Dkp5YV1zT_f8jPJ0WVQZFhH3yq8mvW9hFSS-3RkZbpN3ptRy1DCgYBW5Rs93y4hjcRqW63mxBp5FGFGdW7bRhDQ1bSNFqW8pXNJc8yYbDsW5nJ-hT3mxCHhVHVPs48JT5DqV4cnqr4QrqXgW2CJs9c18Y_C_W3mDJ4t5BKTlTW5PCZMy1rmXzJW5yjDgZ1cQT7hW17RLdm4dTcbYN1H8pgFVlS2Mf1dP7bs04&data=05%7C02%7Cebalint%40bukaty.com%7C96cda8d0339749a0b37a08ddc4852ba1%7Cd4d7215470154847a517f1229e68e85a%7C0%7C0%7C638882798420217549%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ILCCp%2FD1fxCktgkKodz4mCS7U%2FPRpC8A%2BIfZeEQO0ww%3D&reserved=0&utm_campaign=Carrier%20Notices&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--_LJY5kV59wjtr25D4da5kUq670dWs5TEGAN-PgkPYyol-jM7YhSgvHtVf14YiL3ClaHf_). Members who utilize a provider, identified as delivering a high-quality, best-cost outcome within the platform, can earn cash-back rewards.

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/smartshopper-rewards-members-for-using-price-comparison-tool)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_927947102_Aetna.jpeg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-removes-zepbound-from-coverage-for-weight-management)

 May 19, 2025

## [Aetna removes Zepbound from coverage for weight management](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-removes-zepbound-from-coverage-for-weight-management)

Effective July 1, 2025, Aetna will no longer cover Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication used for weight management. Both Wegovy and Saxenda will continue to be covered. The change is estimated to create year-over-year client savings of 10 to 15 percent within this medication classification.

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/aetna-removes-zepbound-from-coverage-for-weight-management)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/2025/2025%20Benefit%20Bulletins/AdobeStock_1444765109%20(1)_GLP1.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-tightens-access-to-glp-1-medication)

 May 19, 2025

## [Gravie tightens access to GLP-1 medication](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-tightens-access-to-glp-1-medication)

Gravie members receiving coverage for GLP-1 medication, used to treat type 2 diabetes and prescribed for weight loss, will be subject to new requirements effective July 15, 2025.

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/gravie-tightens-access-to-glp-1-medication)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1312410236_400X600.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-allstate-data-request-due-april-30)

 April 14, 2025

## [Response to Allstate data request due April 30](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-allstate-data-request-due-april-30)

Allstate recently emailed plan sponsors 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 companies and employer-based plans must submit information...

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-allstate-data-request-due-april-30)

 0

[![](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1038548227_400x600.jpg)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-blue-kc-data-request-due-april-29)

 April 1, 2025

## [Response to Blue KC data request due April 29](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-blue-kc-data-request-due-april-29)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) emailed plan sponsors today requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. Groups that do not have an email address on file, or whose email address bounced, will be mailed a letter. To...

[Read More](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/response-to-blue-kc-data-request-due-april-29)

 0

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- [Affordable Care Act (14)](https://insights.bukaty.com/bulletins/topic/affordable-care-act)
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- [EMPLOYEE BENEFITS](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits)

- [Strategic Planning](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/strategic-planning)
- [Data Analytics](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/data-analytics)
- [Pharmacy Cost Control](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/pharmacy-cost-control)
- [Disease Management & Wellness](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/disease-management-wellness)
- [Technology Integration](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/technology-integration)
- [Employee Engagement](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/employee-engagement)
- [Worksite & International Benefits](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/worksite-and-international)
- [M&A Services](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/m-and-a-services)

- [BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration)

- [HSA](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/health-savings-account-hsa)
- [HRA](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/health-reimbursement-arrangement)
- [FSA](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/flexible-spending-account)
- [COBRA](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/cobra-administration)
- [Combined Billing](https://www.bukaty.com/benefit-administration-2/combined-billing)

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

- 4601 College Blvd., Suite 100, 200
- Leawood, KS 66211
- Benefits phone: 913.345.0440
- P&C phone: 913.951.2400

- [HR CONSULTING & TRAINING](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting)

- [Project Work](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting-pages/project-work)
- [Training](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting-pages/training)
- [Recruiting](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting-pages/recruiting)
- [HR Placement](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting-pages/hr-placement)
- [HR Concierge](https://www.bukaty.com/hr-consulting-pages/hr-concierge-service)

- [PAYROLL & ACCOUNTING](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-3)

- [Payroll Administration](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/payroll-administration)
- [Time & Attendance](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/time-and-attendance)
- [Human Resource Capabilities](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/human-resource-capabilities)
- [Accounting Services](https://www.bukaty.com/payroll-accounting-2/accounting-services)

### KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

- 9200 NE Barry Road, Suite 200
- Kansas City, MO 64157
- Phone: 816.781.4922

- [COMPLIANCE](https://www.bukaty.com/compliance)

- [Compliance √](https://www.bukaty.com/compliance-pages/compliance-check-audit)
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- [BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE](https://www.bukaty.com/business-and-personal-insurance)
- [Business Insurance](https://www.bukaty.com/business-and-personal-insurance/business-insurance)
- [Personal Insurance](https://www.bukaty.com/business-and-personal-insurance/personal-insurance)

- [ABOUT US](https://www.bukaty.com/about-us)

- [WHY BUKATY COMPANIES](https://www.bukaty.com/why-chose-bukaty)

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- [CONTACT US](https://www.bukaty.com/contact-us)

### LAWRENCE, KANSAS

- 1811 Wakarusa Dr, Suite 101
- Lawrence, KS 66047
- Phone: 913.345.0440

### ROSSVILLE, KANSAS

- P.O. Box 6
- Rossville, KS 66533
- Phone: 785.584.6043

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