Arkansas Rule 128 (PBM Transparency) 

Arkansas Rule 128 remains one of the most significant — and often misunderstood — state compliance requirements affecting employer health plans. 

• Rule 128 requires reporting on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reimbursements paid to Arkansas pharmacies so the state can assess whether payments are “fair and reasonable.” 
• Fully insured plans: Reporting is handled by the insurance carrier. 
• Self‑funded employer plans: The reporting obligation generally falls on the plan sponsor, unless a PBM has contractually agreed to report on the employer’s behalf. 
• Arkansas regulators have made it clear that ERISA preemption is not a settled issue, increasing potential exposure for self‑insured plans that fail to comply. 

Now is the right time for self‑funded clients to review PBM contracts and confirm in writing who is responsible for Rule 128 reporting. Employers should not assume this is handled automatically. 

Spring 2026 Compliance Reminders 

Spring is a critical checkpoint for group health plan compliance. Here are some of the key items employers sponsoring health plans should be tracking now: 



• PCORI fee (IRS Form 720): Due July 31 for most calendar‑year plans; applies to self‑insured plans, including HRAs. 
• ACA reporting (Forms 1094/1095): Confirm filings were completed accurately and resolve any IRS “B” notices. 
• RxDC (Prescription Drug Data Collection): Confirm carriers or TPAs have submitted required data and attestations. 
• Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices: Review distribution processes for active and retiree populations. 
• Form 5500 preparation: Begin gathering required information to meet July filing deadlines (or extension planning). 

April Is Cancer Control Month 

Cancer Control Month is observed in April to spotlight the proven steps that help prevent cancer, detect it earlier, and improve outcomes for those in treatment and survivorship. Cancer control focuses on practical actions — such as staying up to date on recommended screenings, getting vaccinated when eligible, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active — along with reducing barriers to care so more people can access prevention and timely treatment. It’s also a reminder to know your family history, talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk, and support loved ones with empathy and reliable information. By making small, consistent choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can help lower cancer risk and strengthen the health of our communities. 

CARES, our Cancer Awareness Resources and Support program (PDF), helps members understand their condition. It also helps them to take an active role in managing their treatment. 

QCARE health and wellness programs offer tools to help you stay healthy or manage a chronic illness. This means improved health and lower healthcare costs. 

Learn more about our QCARE Health and Wellness programs. 

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

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. CT 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications and helps prevent misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm. Gather pills, capsules, patches, and other eligible medications in their original containers, if possible, then bring them to a participating collection site in your community. Items like syringes/sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. If you can’t attend, ask your pharmacist or local law enforcement about year-round medication drop boxes. 

Locate a Collection Site Near You.