Health Net News Now
September 2026
RX Creditability Status Letters 2026-2027
Rx Creditable Coverage Status Letters Available Before October 15 Deadline
Since 2006, Medicare has provided prescription drug coverage through the Medicare Part D program. Employer groups offering prescription drug benefits to Medicare-eligible employees, retirees, or their dependents are required to determine whether their coverage is considered creditable coverage. Creditable coverage is defined as prescription drug coverage that is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as the standard Medicare Part D benefit.
At Health Net, we are committed to keeping you informed about important compliance requirements related to your group health benefits. We are currently evaluating prescription drug coverage for the 2026-2027 plan year and will communicate our findings by issuing Rx Creditable Coverage letters before the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reporting deadline of October 15, 2026.
Health Net will also submit its annual Creditable Coverage disclosure to CMS, confirming the creditable status of applicable drug plans.
Once released, the letters will be mailed directly to your groups. You may also access the latest Rx Creditable Coverage letters on our website for all groups: View Rx Creditable Coverage Information
If you have any questions, please contact your Health Net representative.
Electronic Prior Authorization Changes Begin January 1, 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, key provisions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule (CMS-0057-F) will require certain health plans to support electronic prior authorization through standardized technology. The goal is to improve information sharing between providers and health plans while reducing administrative burden and improving transparency.
Under the new requirements, healthcare providers will be able to electronically determine whether prior authorization is required, review documentation requirements, submit authorization requests directly through electronic health record (EHR) systems, and receive approvals, denials, or requests for additional information electronically. The rule does not eliminate prior authorization requirements or medical necessity reviews. Instead, it modernizes how information is exchanged between providers and health plans.
Health Net is actively preparing for these changes; however, it is important to understand that implementation may vary by carrier, product, and provider system. While CMS requirements apply to certain Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and federally facilitated Marketplace plans, carriers may differ in how and when they adopt similar capabilities for other products.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, electronic prior authorization is expected to make the authorization process more efficient and transparent, helping providers and health plans exchange information more quickly while maintaining existing coverage and medical necessity standards.
September Health Observances: Supporting Health at Every Age
September highlights several national health observances that can help encourage prevention, early detection and healthier lifestyles.
Healthy Aging Month
A reminder of the importance of staying active and maintaining healthy habits as we age. Explore healthy aging resources from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Healthy eating and physical activity can help children build lifelong healthy habits. The CDC offers tips for parents and caregivers.
National Recovery Month
Sponsored by SAMHSA, National Recovery Month raises awareness of mental health and substance use recovery and the resources available to support individuals and families. Learn more.
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
This observance helps increase understanding of sickle cell disease, available treatments and the importance of newborn screening. Explore resources.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Days – Sept. 18 & 27
September also includes National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day and National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, both emphasizing HIV education, testing, prevention and treatment. Visit CDC HIV resources.
These observances offer opportunities to remind clients and employees about preventive care, screenings and health resources available throughout the year.
For more information, visit Health Net's Your Wellness page.
September’s Tastiest Celebrations: A Month of Fun Food Holidays
We tend to think of September as "Back to School Month," but it is also features fun daily food observances ranging from classic comfort foods to quirky snacks. (From The Nibble.)
Feel free to save or print the calendar below and keep it handy on your fridge so you don't miss any of September's delicious celebrations.
Bon appétit !
