January 2026

Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Cultural Resources for Diverse Patient Care

(January 30, 2026) Recognizing and addressing social determinant of health (SDOH) is critical for providers striving to eliminate disparities and improve patient outcomes. There are numerous resources at your disposal that can help bridge cultural differences, enhance personalized care, and ultimately drive better health outcomes for your patients. 

Annual HEDIS and QRS data collection are right around the corner

(January 20, 2026) Each year, Cigna Healthcare collects data for the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Rating System (QRS) for our customers with Marketplace plans. This article covers the HEDIS process, complying with medical record requests, and documentation and coding tips for the current year’s measures.

2026 Behavioral Health COE-designated facilities available for your patients

(January 13, 2026) When your patients need behavioral health care, referring them to an Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (COE)-designated facility can help ensure they receive high-quality, cost-effective treatment for inpatient and/or residential (IP/RES) levels of care and/or partial hospital and/or intensive outpatient program (PHP/IOP) levels of care. Read about 2026 COE qualifying designation criteria.

Adoption of LOCUS and CALOCUS-CASII Criteria in New York

(January 8, 2026) In compliance with New York law, Evernorth Behavioral Health adopted the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) for customers aged 19 and older and the Child and Adolescent Level of Care/Service Intensity Utilization System (CALOCUS-CASII) criteria for customers aged 6 through 18, effective January 26. What you need to know about the criteria.

Age requirements for LOCUS and CALOCUS-CASII criteria in California effective January 26, 2026

(January 7, 2026) In compliance with California law, Evernorth Behavioral Health updated the age requirements for the Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) and the Child and Adolescent Level of Care/Service Intensity Utilization System (CALOCUS-CASII) criteria, effective January 26. What you need to know about the criteria.