Forms 1099 Mailing

IRS Forms 1099 were mailed by January 31, 2025. If you need to make any updates or changes, please fax a completed, signed, and dated IRS Form W-9 to the QualChoice Finance Department at 501.707.6728.

Revised IRS Forms W-9 must be received by QualChoice no later than the end of February 2025.

For questions, please contact Finance_Ops@qualchoice.com.

2025 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines Updated

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released the 2025 federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are used to calculate affordability under §4980H (the Employer Mandate) for applicable large employers to comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) FPL safe harbor and avoid penalties for providing unaffordable coverage. Typically, the FPL is updated in late January, so calendar year plans generally rely upon the FPL of the previous year. However, plans beginning in February or later can rely upon the current year’s FPL.

February Is American Heart Month

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. American Heart Month is dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease. Preventive measures can lower the risk of developing heart disease that could lead to a heart attack.

Learn more about heart-healthy living.

The QCARE Healthy Heart Program (PDF) uses evidence-based, nationally accepted practices and a personalized approach to assist members living with hypertension. The Healthy Heart Program is available at no charge to eligible QualChoice members aged 18 and older.* This program offers support to help members reach their healthcare goals and stick to the treatment plan established by their doctor.

* NOTE: Programs vary by employer group and benefit plan. Members should check with their benefits administrator.

Reminder: Part D Online Disclosure to CMS due March 1 for Calendar Year Plans

Each year, group health plans must disclose to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) whether the prescription drug coverage offered to Medicare Part D eligible individuals is creditable or non-creditable. This disclosure is due no later than 60 days after the start of the plan year, which is March 1, 2025, for calendar year plans beginning January 1, 2025. CMS provides the online disclosure form, instructions (PDF), and screenshots (PDF) showing what information is required. This disclosure is in addition to the Medicare Part D Notice of Creditable/Non-Creditable Coverage provided to individuals that is due before October 15 each year. 

Medicare Part D Redesign for 2026

CMS recently released draft instructions for Medicare Part D Redesign, which will become effective in 2026. These instructions contain a detailed description and guidance regarding changes for 2026.

According to the Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet, Medicare Plan D prescription drug plan updates include:

• An annual out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) of $2,100 which is the original 2025 out-of-pocket cap of $2,000, adjusted based on the annual percentage increase in average expenditures for covered Part D drugs in the U.S. for Part D eligible individuals in the previous year (API)
• Changes to the liability of enrollees, sponsors, manufacturers and CMS in the new standard Part D benefit design, namely to account for the start of the Negotiation Program in 2026; and
• Establishment of the selected drug subsidy program.

In 2026, CMS will allow entities offering group health plans that are not applying for the retiree drug subsidy to use a revised simplified method to determine Medicare Part D creditable coverage status. Most notably, the revised methodology would specify that coverage must be designed to pay, on average, at least 72% of a participant’s drug expenses to be considered creditable coverage. This is an increase from 60% under the current methodology and may affect the creditable coverage status of some employer-sponsored prescription drug plans.

Arkansas Flu Activity “Very High”

According to the latest report from the Arkansas Department of Health (PDF), influenza is currently at a very high level in Arkansas. QualChoice members can get the flu vaccine at any network pharmacy or provider's office. No copayment is required. Visit QualChoice.com to get more facts about the flu.