IPBC Newsletter | August 2026

Click the video preview for a recap of information shared in this Enewsletter - so you can prioritize!

Benefit Advantages of the IPBC

Membership in the IPBC provides access to valuable resources, programs and services that are often unavailable to local governments purchasing health insurance through the commercial market. Through the strength of a collaborative purchasing pool, IPBC members benefit from enhanced solutions, cost-saving opportunities and dedicated support designed to meet their evolving healthcare needs. As a member of the IPBC, members have access to a myriad of benefits – which can be found here.

2027 Segal Projected Health Plan Costs

The 2027 Segal Health Plan Cost Trend Survey provides projected healthcare cost trends for 2027 across medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits. Based on responses from health plans and industry organizations, the report also examines the key factors driving costs and reviews actual health plan cost trends experienced in 2025. View the full report here.

Notifications for ACH

Payments

The IPBC is improving the process for the ACH premiums. When they are available, you will receive an email (the same as you receive other communications) with a link to the documents on the website and when the premiums will be pulled. This information can be found under Reporting >Monthly ACH Reports >The Fiscal Year – and also can be found here ACH Monthly Reports - IPBC Members

Reminder: Open Enrollment Deadlines

For January 1, 2027, Open Enrollment, confirmation is due on August 28, 2026, for the following:

New ASO Plans and Plan Design Changes
New Fully Insured Plans (i.e., new vision plan, etc.)
New EAP or ID Theft Plan
Rate Tier Changes (i.e., 2 tier to 4 tier)
Population additions (i.e., separate cost population breakouts for union or non-union)

Alera Compliance Updates

In recent years, the Illinois General Assembly has enacted several laws expanding and modifying required health insurance benefits across the state. While some of these mandates took effect in prior years, several new requirements apply to fully insured health plans issued or renewed in Illinois on or after January 1, 2026.

Click here for a summary of the most significant Illinois insurance law changes and how they may impact your health plan.

Wellness Program Packet Submission Deadline Closed

The window for wellness packet submissions has officially closed, and we appreciate all groups that completed and submitted their materials. Wellness packet reviews have been completed, and we are currently finalizing biometric screening results and wellness incentive data as part of the audit process. Once the final results are confirmed, your Member Service Consultant will review the results with your organization and discuss any next steps. Thank you for your continued commitment to employee wellness!

Monthly Financial Reports

The June Monthly Financial Report is now available on the IPBC website and you can find it - and previous reports for 2025-2026 - at this link.

New Link to Update Contact Info

Is your information updated in the IPBC system? If you need to update employee contact information, there is a new link to do this - which can be found here.

Upcoming Meetings

Tuesday,

August 11

1030am

ASK IPBC
Preliminary review of financial results for

FY 2025-26 Plan Year

Click this link for the Microsoft Teams meeting link.

Thursday

August 27

930am

Membership Meeting

Click this link for the Microsoft teams meeting link.

IPBC Programs