Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines Updated for 2026

Quality Connection

News and Updates for Brokers

February 19, 2026

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In January, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2026 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 on the FPL of the previous year. However, plans beginning in February or later can rely on the current year’s FPL.

Forms 1099 Mailing

IRS Forms 1099 were mailed by January 31, 2026. If you need to make any updates or changes, please email a completed, signed, and dated IRS Form W-9 to the QualChoice Finance Department at Finance_Ops@QualChoice.com or fax it to 501.707.6812.

Revised IRS Forms W-9 must be received by QualChoice no later than the end of February 2026. For questions, please contact Finance_Ops@QualChoice.com.

Important Reminder: Electronic Invoice Delivery in My Account

Please share this information with your employer’s or group’s accounts payable contact: Effective January 1, 2026, QualChoice is no longer sending premium invoices via mail or email.

All employers are automatically enrolled for electronic delivery of premium invoices, which are available to view on the My Account portal on Monday following the 17th of each month for the next month’s billing cycle. To view invoices, visit QualChoice.com and sign in to My Account using your username and password. Online payments can also be made on QualChoice.com on the Pay My Bill page. For assistance logging in to My Account, please contact Enrollment_Group@centene.com.

Only those who elect to opt out of electronic invoice delivery will receive a mailed invoice. We no longer offer email invoices as an option.

February Is American Heart Month

American Heart Month is observed each February to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of heart-healthy living. It encourages individuals to learn about risk factors, make healthy lifestyle choices, and take steps to prevent heart disease through education, prevention, and proper care.

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 health goals and stick to the treatment plan established by their healthcare provider.

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

Updated Forms

Make sure you are using current QualChoice forms, please download from the Broker Forms page at QualChoice.com each time you need to use one.

View Broker Forms.

Health Tips

Get information on prevention and risk factors in our article: What You Need to Know About Heart Disease. For more health tips and information, visit QualChoice.com/news.

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