Office Holiday Hours
The Kansas Chiropractic Association office will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2025, for the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays. We will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, January 5, 2025.
I will be available to return emails and phone calls as needed during this time. This is the last KCA Weekly Update until January 6, 2026.
Warmest wishes for a safe and meaningful Christmas holiday.
Dr. Travis Oller
KCA Board of Directors Meeting Recap
The Kansas Chiropractic Association Board of Directors met on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the K-State Student Union in Manhattan for its final board meeting of the year. The Board addressed several major items that will shape KCA’s direction and priorities heading into 2026.
2026 Budget Approved
One of the most significant actions taken by the Board was approval of the 2026 KCA budget. The approved budget is balanced and designed to maintain financial stability while continuing to invest in education, advocacy, conventions, and member services. The Board discussed revenue assumptions, program priorities, and projected expenses before voting to adopt the budget as presented.
Legal Counsel Appointed
The Board approved a contract with Jeremy Haughton, DC, JD, to serve as KCA’s General Counsel. This appointment enhances KCA’s access to legal guidance that is both legally sound and professionally informed by chiropractic experience.
Strategic Plan Adopted
Following presentation and discussion, the Board formally approved the KCA Strategic Plan. This plan establishes the association’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic priorities for the coming years and will guide Board and committee work. Adoption of the plan represents a major milestone in KCA’s long-term planning efforts.
Policies and Procedures Manual
On recommendation of the Bylaws Committee, the Board adopted the new KCA Policy and Procedures Manual. As part of this action, the Board voted to sunset prior resolutions, creating a single, consolidated reference document for governance and operations. A minor amendment was also approved to remove an outdated 1999 resolution before final adoption.
Committee Appointments for 2026
The Board approved KCA committee assignments for 2026, with several friendly amendments adding volunteers and leadership roles. Directors were also reminded of their responsibility to staff the Nominating Committee prior to the next board meeting, ensuring continuity in leadership development across districts.
District and Organizational Updates
District reports highlighted strong engagement in several regions, including well-attended meetings, leadership updates, and upcoming legislative events. The Board also discussed future board meeting dates, upcoming conventions, and ongoing efforts to improve communication, engagement, and district support.
Leadership Transition
Before adjourning, President Dr. Bradley Pyle recognized Dr. Alvin Schwerdtfager as he prepares to transition into the presidency in the coming year and thanked the Board for its dedication and service.
KCA Medicare and Insurance Committee Update
The KCA Medicare and Insurance Committee met on December 8 to review several important Medicare changes coming in 2026 that will affect chiropractic practices in Kansas. The discussion focused on the new Medicare fee schedule, the status of the Medicare ABN form, updates to Medicare Advantage plans, and the availability of a new two-hour Medicare basics course for KCA members.
The final 2026 Medicare fee schedule has not been published. Most office-based chiropractors can expect a modest net increase of 0.5-1.5 percent next year. We will update our members as soon as the fee schedule is published.
The current Medicare ABN form is scheduled to expire on January 31, 2026. CMS has not released a revised version yet. Until a new ABN is issued, chiropractors should continue using the current form and follow existing ABN procedures.
Medicare CERT Reviews are ongoing. If you have been selected for a CERT Review, please let us know so we can help you prepare the required documentation. Members should appeal all fines or penalties related to CERT reviews.
Medicare Advantage plans continue to play a significant role in patient coverage. These plans now represent more than half of all Medicare-eligible patients, and several policy changes are expected in 2026. Members may see higher copays, new referral requirements, and increased audits focused on diagnosis coding and utilization patterns. The committee reminded members that when submitting out-of-network claims to Medicare Advantage plans, Box 27 on the CMS 1500 claim form should remain unchecked. If the box is checked, the plan may interpret that as acceptance of a reduced contract rate.
To support members in navigating these changes, KCA now offers a two-hour Medicare basics course through KCA Online Education. The course includes guidance on documentation, ABN use, submitting clean claims, avoiding common denial triggers, and understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The course is eligible for continuing education credit.
Join Us for the KCA KC Metro Legislative Dinner
The Kansas City Metro Legislative Dinner is just around the corner, and we’d love to have you at the table as we build relationships that will shape chiropractic’s future in Kansas.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: Thompson Barn
Address: 11184 Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS
This annual event brings area legislators together with doctors of chiropractic and students to discuss chiropractic, key healthcare issues, and important legislation expected in the 2026 session. Your presence—and your story—help put a face and a voice to the profession.
Registration & Pricing
Doctors: $30 per plate
Students: $10 per plate
Spouses and significant others are encouraged to attend. Having them there helps show the personal and family side of our profession and strengthens our connection with policymakers.
RSVP Information
Please RSVP to Dr. Dani Steffen at danijohnson25@gmail.com by Monday, December 29, 2025.
This dinner is a key part of our 2026 legislative strategy. By showing up, you help ensure that chiropractic has a strong, unified voice at the Capitol.
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