Search Results

In this Benefits Now video, Heather Acerra breaks down important Illinois benefits compliance updates for 2026 in a clear, concise and practical way. HR leaders will gain insight into evolving leave laws, pharmacy benefit regulations, mental health parity requirements, and ACA reporting - with a focus on what matters most and what to review now. Heather Acerra Employee Benefits Sales Executive (309) 335-5586 HAcerra@cottinghambutler.com

On February 3, 2026, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026  (CAA 2026) was signed into law. This expansive federal spending package includes significant reforms impacting Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). While the full effects of the CAA 2026 won’t be felt until 2029, this new mandate has already shifted pharmacy benefits away from the opaque ‘black box’ model toward one focused on better transparency. The CAA 2026 is part of a wider federal push to increase PBM transparency and lower drug costs. This includes the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed fee disclosure rules, recent FTC enforcement actions regarding insulin pricing, and the recent debut of TrumpRx. Background PBMs are third parties that manage many health plans’ prescription drug benefits.  Health plans often rely on PBMs to process prescription drug claims, design pharmacy networks and negotiate rebates from drug manufacturers. In recent years, the PBM industry has faced growing scrutiny amid questions about lack of pricing transparency and PBM practices, such as retaining a share of manufacturer rebates.  In response, state PBM laws have surged nationwide in the absence of federal regulations.  Applicability of such state laws for ERISA employers has always been questioned.  Now, both Congress and the Executive Branch have provided the launching point of federal regulatory change for the pharmaceutical delivery industry. Key PBM Changes Under the CAA 2026 Include: 100% Rebate Pass-Through : For plan years beginning after August 3, 2028, 100% of rebates, fees and discounts must be remitted to group health plans. Medicare Part D ‘Delinking’ : Beginning in 2028, Medicare Part D will require PBMs to charge a flat service fee instead of taking a portion of the drug’s price. Enhanced Audit Rights : The law strengthens plan sponsor leverage to audit PBM data annually, which will be a critical tool for verifying contractual compliance. Mandatory Transparency Reporting : Detailed reports on prescription drug spending data and formulary rationale. Heightened Fiduciary Oversight : The law clarifies the disclosure obligations for PBMs as service providers, heightening the employer’s fiduciary obligation to assess the reasonableness of all compensation. Why This Matters for Employers The CAA 2026 does not require employers to become pharmacy benefits experts. It does reinforce the expectation that employers work with their brokers and pharmacy partners to ensure transparency and alignment with evolving standards. Employers should expect that: PBM compensation is understood and defensible: Employers should be able to explain how their PBM is paid and what fees are retained. This clear, practical understanding is foundational to fiduciary oversight. Pharmacy spend is being actively managed, not just renewed :   Employers should be able to demonstrate that pharmacy spend is regularly reviewed and that action is taken to manage any waste and inefficiency, with brokers and pharmacy partners supporting this ongoing oversight. Contracts are aligned with market direction : Upcoming renewals are an opportunity to ensure contracts reflect the upcoming phased in expectations around rebate pass-through, fee transparency, and audit rights.  The shift toward fee transparency can be illustrated with a simple example:   Current : A manufacturer paid a $2,000 rebate. The employer would receive $1,700 as the “rebate” while the PBM would retain $300 as a “formulary or administrative fee.” Future : The manufacturer pays a $2,000 rebate. The PBM must pass the full rebate to the plan and will charge bona fide service fees. What Employers Should Do Now While some provisions phase in later, the next one or two PBM renewal cycles are where employers can proactively align their program with future requirements. Employers should work with their broker to ensure a few core areas are in place: Understand how their PBM is compensated : Employers should work with their broker to confirm, at a high level, how their PBM earns revenue, including what compensation flows back to the plan and what is retained for services. The goal is clarity and defensibility, not complexity. Ensure PBM contracts are aligned with CAA transparency standards : As contracts renew, employers should expect their broker to help ensure PBM agreements are aligned with future transparency standards and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate ongoing pharmacy oversight : Employers should be able to point to regular reviews and informed decisions around pharmacy spend, with guidance from their broker and pharmacy partners. Reassess options as new transparency data becomes available : Enhanced reporting helps employers and brokers validate the competitiveness of the current PBM model and explore alternatives when appropriate. How Broker-led Pharmacy Consulting Supports These Expectations PBM contract and financial diagnostics :   Supporting transparency by validating rebate pass-through, service fees, and contractual compliance. PBM RFP and renewal strategy : Helping employers transition from opaque pricing structures to fee-based models that align with emerging regulatory standards. Clinical and cost management programs : Guiding strategies such as specialty management and biosimilar adoption to balance clinical outcomes with cost efficiency. Executive-ready reporting: Providing clear, defensible documentation that supports prudent fiduciary management. A Broader Shift: The Launch of TrumpRx What it is : A prescription price comparison and discount platform for the public that provides consumers with a pathway to view and access lower cash prices at retail pharmacies. What it is not : An employer health plan, a PBM replacement, or a structural reform of employer pharmacy benefits. How it impacts employers : Increases price visibility at the retail level, which may lead to situations where the consumer cash price is lower than the insured rate. This reinforces the broader movement toward transparency without altering employee plan structure. While the mechanics are familiar to employers and brokers who have experience with other prescription discount cards or coupon programs, the key distinction is that TrumpRx discounts are manufacturer-sponsored and tied to specific participation requirements. Looking Ahead While the CAA is now federal law, the specific rules will continue to take shape over the next 18 months. Federal agencies are tasked with defining standards for ‘bona fide service fees’ and formatting for transparency reports. With continuously evolving standards, proactive contract review is an essential part of the enhanced fiduciary oversight.

Nuclear verdicts continue to rise with escalating financial stakes for businesses. In our recent webinar, our claims management experts broke down what's driving massive jury awards and shared proven protective strategies. Through real-world case studies and field-tested approaches, attendees walked away with practical tools and actionable steps to reduce risk exposure and strengthen their defense against nuclear verdict outcomes. Key Takeaways: Are You Prepared?  Establish proactive training programs, comprehensive policies, strategic hiring practices, and a strong safety culture before incidents occur. Are the Right Claim Strategies Implemented? Implement rapid response claim strategies including first call settlements, accident reconstruction, evidence preservation, and thorough investigation techniques. Are Your Drivers Prepared? Ensure drivers are trained on proper accident scene procedures, evidence documentation, law enforcement communication, and immediate reporting protocols. Click here to view the presentation. Additional Resources: Post Accident Preservation Checklist Vehicle Accident Kit Client & Driver Claim Reporting Training Video : The Accident Zone

We are excited to extend an invitation to our upcoming Employee Benefits Seminar Tour designed specifically for individuals like you, who are at the forefront of shaping organizational culture and strategy. Cottingham & Butler hosts these exclusive events to provide a free opportunity for HR professionals to network, stay on top of emerging trends, and be a strategic leader in their organization. MULTI-DATE EVENT Better Every Day Seminar Tour April - August, 2026 Dallas, TX | Pewaukee, WI | Minneapolis, MN | Des Moines, IA Oak Brook, IL | Coralville, IA | Green Bay, WI Pick Your Date! Last year over 600 HR, finance, and executive leaders attended our seminars to address the most pressing workplace challenges. This year's seminars will deliver the leadership strategies and benefit insights you need for 2026. The day will start with a powerful keynote from our partners at BecomeMore Group on Authentic Leadership, followed by three Power Talks on employees basic finance as a valuable benefit, addressing misaligned incentives in healthcare costs, and exploring weight loss and wellbeing strategies. We'll wrap up the seminar with a session on personal productivity and why being busy doesn't always mean getting things done. Throughout the day, you'll network with industry peers, enjoy breakfast and lunch, and earn valuable HRCI and SHRM recertification credits. Register today to secure your spot at our exclusive seminar where industry experts will share proven strategies for the critical challenges you're facing. “The content and the information is great and I walk away with ideas to bring back to help enhance our benefits packages and compensation.” - COTTINGHAM & BUTLER SEMINAR ATTENDEE Seminar Tour Coming to a City Near You! IN-PERSON April 29-30, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Trucking / Dallas Join us in Dallas, TX at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel for our first annual Trucking Seminar where industry leaders will share proven strategies to tackle your biggest challenges in 2026. Discover what's actually working to attract and retain talent through our exclusive 2025 Trucking Compensation & Benchmark survey results, learn how top-performing carriers are beating industry turnover trends, and gain actionable tactics to reduce rising prescription drug costs without driver backlash. We'll also cover critical compliance topics like leave of absence management and high-risk member care strategies that protect your bottom line while keeping operations running smoothly. Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON June 25, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Minneapolis Join us at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis, MN for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON August 6, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Green Bay Join us at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON May 14, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Pewaukee Join us at The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, WI for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON July 9, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Oak Brook Join us at Oak Brook Hills Resort in Oak Brook, IL for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON June 11, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Des Moines Join us at The Rewind Hotel in Des Moines, IA for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON July 29, 2026 Better Every Day Seminar / Coralville Join us at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville, IA for an engaging day where you'll gain quick-hit strategies on healthcare cost management, compensation and financial wellness, and employee retention through interactive Power Talks. The day opens and closes with powerful personal leadership sessions to help you maximize your impact at your organization. Connect with like-minded HR professionals throughout the day during networking breaks and a provided lunch and breakfast. This event is HRCI/SHRM accredited. Register today to secure your spot! Register Now! Register Now! Interested in Sponsoring a Seminar? Our events offer unmatched networking opportunities and exposure to the latest trends in employee benefits. These signature events feature keynote speakers, hot benefit topics, and exclusive networking opportunities. We experienced over 600+ attendees at our events last year. Sponsor an event to attend and elevate your brand visibility in the benefits space. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

WEBINAR Understanding CSA Scores and Their Impact Tuesday, April 21st | 1-2 PM CST Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of your fleet’s safety culture and a key factor in your company’s reputation, insurance rates, and ability to win contracts. In this session, SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Anne-Marie Naples demystifies the CSA scoring system, explaining how violations are weighted, how scores are calculated, and what they mean for your business. Attendees will learn how to monitor their scores, interpret BASIC categories, and implement targeted strategies to improve performance. April 21, 2026 1:00 PM VIRTUAL Learning Objectives Information Coming Soon! Your Host Anne-Marie Naples Sr. Safety Consultant – Safety Management Services Company Upcoming Events WEBINAR February 18, 2026 Building a Safer Workplace: Reducing Workplace Injuries and Workers' Compensation Claims for Drivers Hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Nate Gump, this session will explore the often-overlooked workplace injury risks drivers face and their significant impact on workers' compensation claims. While motor vehicle crashes often get the most attention, most driver injuries occur during non-driving tasks such as entering and exiting vehicles, loading and unloading freight, working in yards and docks, and managing environmental exposures. Attendees will discover practical, data-driven strategies to reduce injuries, improve compliance, and control workers' compensation costs. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR March 17, 2026 Navigating FMCSA Compliance Reviews Whether your fleet is proactively preparing for a compliance review or responding to an upcoming audit, understanding the FMCSA’s expectations is essential. This webinar takes you behind the scenes of the FMCSA Compliance Review process—breaking down what investigators look for, how ratings are determined, and the steps you can take now to protect your safety performance. Join SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Kara Vines as she walks through each stage of the review, from the initial notification to the final safety rating. You’ll learn the most common violations that trigger interventions, how to organize required documentation, and practical strategies for strengthening your Safety Management Controls. We’ll also highlight real‑world trends, carrier pitfalls, and best practices to help you stay audit‑ready year‑round. Whether you’re new to compliance or looking to refine your current safety program, this session provides the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to navigate the FMCSA Compliance Review with success. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR February 19, 2026 ERISA Fiduciary Duties Join us for an in-depth session on ERISA fiduciary duties for health and welfare plans, designed to help employers understand their obligations as plan sponsors. We’ll review key ERISA requirements, highlight common compliance pitfalls, and share practical best practices to minimize fiduciary risk. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR March 19, 2026 Navigating Employer-Sponsored Coverage & Medicare Join us for a practical session on how Medicare interacts with employer-sponsored health plans—an increasingly important topic as more employees continue working past age 65. We’ll break down eligibility and enrollment timing for Medicare Parts A, B, and D, clarify how Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules impact group plan coordination, and highlight key considerations such as HSA eligibility, COBRA timing, and employer premium reimbursements. Understanding these rules is essential for employers evaluating benefit offerings and for employees choosing the coverage option that best fits their needs. Register Now! Register Now! IN-PERSON March 10-13, 2026 NATMI Training & Certification According to NATMI, recipients who enrolled in a NATMI training and certification lowered their organization's accident rate by 86%, achieved a lower occupational injury rate by 83%, and controlled costs associated with accident litigation by 100%. The cost of participating in NATMI is minimal compared to the company’s day-to-day operational savings. The Certified Director of Safety (CDS)/Certified Safety Supervisor (CSS) course is designed to help safety personnel attain a greater professional knowledge base that should, in turn, provide greater confidence to improve operations, prevent and control injury and damage, as well as the ability to provide strong representation such as during a court case. Register Now! Register Now! WEBINAR April 21, 2026 Understanding CSA Scores and Their Impact Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of your fleet’s safety culture and a key factor in your company’s reputation, insurance rates, and ability to win contracts. In this session, SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Anne-Marie Naples demystifies the CSA scoring system, explaining how violations are weighted, how scores are calculated, and what they mean for your business. Attendees will learn how to monitor their scores, interpret BASIC categories, and implement targeted strategies to improve performance. Register Now! Register Now! View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!

WEBINAR Understanding CSA Scores and Their Impact Tuesday, April 21st | 1-2 PM CST Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of your fleet’s safety culture and a key factor in your company’s reputation, insurance rates, and ability to win contracts. In this session, SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Anne-Marie Naples demystifies the CSA scoring system, explaining how violations are weighted, how scores are calculated, and what they mean for your business. Attendees will learn how to monitor their scores, interpret BASIC categories, and implement targeted strategies to improve performance. April 21, 2026 1:00 PM VIRTUAL Learning Objectives Information Coming Soon! Your Host Anne-Marie Naples Sr. Safety Consultant – Safety Management Services Company Upcoming Events IN-PERSON May 20-21, 2026 2026 Transportation Safety Workshop Join us for an immersive two-day safety workshop designed to enhance your transportation safety program. Engage with industry experts and fellow safety professionals as we explore critical areas including FMCSA compliance strategies, cutting-edge safety technologies, effective claims management, and cargo theft prevention, plus experience our dynamic mock trial session that brings real-world legal scenarios to life. Through structured networking opportunities, you'll build connections with other safety professionals, share challenges and solutions with peers who understand your daily operations, and leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your compliance program, optimize your safety technology, and enhance your risk management approach. Read More Register Now WEBINAR October 22, 2026 The Impact of Drugs & Alcohol in Trucking Substance abuse in the trucking industry poses serious risks—not only to drivers, but to public safety, company reputation, and regulatory compliance. This webinar explores the far-reaching impact of drugs and alcohol on commercial driving performance. SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Anne-Marie Naples will help participants gain a clear understanding of DOT regulations and testing protocols. Read More Register Now WEBINAR December 16, 2026 OSHA Recordkeeping & ITA Compliance In this session, safety expert TJ Greenwood will provide a comprehensive overview of OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Participants will learn how to accurately complete the OSHA 300 log to ensure it makes a positive impression during site inspections, as it is often the first document requested by OSHA. Additionally, this discussion will cover strategies for staying compliant with OSHA 300 log recordkeeping requirements. Read More Register Now WEBINAR September 15, 2026 Securing the Scene: Best Practices After a Collision When a crash occurs, the first few minutes—and the days that follow—can shape the outcome for your fleet, your drivers, and your business. This webinar hosted by SMSC Senior Safety Consultant Justin Smoot equips trucking professionals with the tools to respond effectively at the scene, preserve critical evidence, and initiate a thorough post-crash investigation. Beyond immediate response, Justin will dive into how fleets can determine “preventability,” implement remedial training, and use coaching to reduce repeat incidents. Read More Register Now WEBINAR November 17, 2026 FMCSA HOS Exceptions & Operational Flexibility In an ideal world, how much easier would fleet management be? Drivers' loads would align seamlessly with available driving hours, parking availability would consistently match HOS limitations, and drivers would arrive back home every Friday night like clockwork. However, the realities of modern trucking operations present constant challenges that require comprehensive knowledge of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and exceptions. Join Joshua Anderson in this webinar as we examine strategies for carriers and drivers to navigate regulatory compliance effectively within the complexities of real-world operations. Read More Register Now WEBINAR August 18, 2026 Safety Training That Sticks: Learning Principles in Action Safety Training That Sticks: Learning Principles in Action” hosted by SMSC Safety Consultant Austin Smith is a dynamic, instructor‑focused webinar designed to help trainers deliver safety education that truly resonates with adult learners. This session explores how to move beyond lecture‑heavy sessions and instead create training that is interactive, memorable, and impactful. Grounded in proven adult learning principles, the presentation highlights how adults learn best: through relevance, experience, problem‑solving, and hands‑on involvement. Participants will discover practical techniques for turning passive attendees into active contributors—ensuring higher retention and stronger safety performance on the job. Read More Register Now View All Events Connect with a C&B Representative Today!