The NYSCA Insurance Committee (The NIC) has been communicating with both the Workers' Compensation Board and Third-Party Administrators to define and advise our members on a recent change impacting the Special Fund for Disability Benefits, the Uninsured Employers’ Fund, the Second Injury Fund (also referred to as the Special Disability Fund), and the Fund for Reopened Case.  This change has already been implemented - seemingly without overt provider communication on many of these cases.  

On October 1, 2025, the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) announced updates to the Notice of Objection to a Payment of a Bill for Treatment Provided (Form C-8.1B) requiring payers to provide a detailed explanation of their objections to bills for medical treatment in boxes 12 and 20 within Section C, Objection Reasons-Legal and Medical Treatment Guidelines.

The NYSCA Legislative Committee is pleased to share an update regarding one of NYSCA’s 2025 legislative priorities - the “virtual credit card bill”.

Arlington, Va. — The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have passed the final version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Department Authorization Act, which includes a plan to restore chiropractic services at six U.S. military bases where services have been arbitrarily discontinued. The six clinics that will be reopened include those seeing 400 or more patients per month.

New York — The New York State Chiropractic Association (NYSCA) and the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) are launching a statewide movie theater campaign designed to elevate public understanding of chiropractic care and connect New Yorkers with trusted doctors of chiropractic across the state. The campaign will run from December 15, 2025, through January 25, 2026, and will appear in eleven strategically selected theaters spanning Albany, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Syracuse, Kingston, Oswego, Oneonta, and Farmingdale.

We are pleased to share that the NYSCA 2026 Spring Convention at Mohegan Sun will be held jointly with the Connecticut Chiropractic Physicians Association. This collaboration brings a meaningful opportunity to strengthen relationships across state lines and enhance the educational experience for all attendees.

We are proud to share details for the NYSCA Membership Meeting scheduled in conjunction with our 2026 Spring Convention at Mohegan Sun.

December is an ideal time for chiropractic offices to conduct a year-end review of finances, policies, procedures, and operational practices. This ensures accurate recordkeeping, helps identify areas for improvement, and positions your practice for a strong, compliant start to the new year.

The newest issue of On the Agenda, NYSCA’s official quarterly publication, is now available! This statewide newsletter offers timely updates on NYSCA activities, policy developments, and issues impacting the chiropractic profession in New York. Whether you're looking for clinical insights, association news, or opportunities to engage, we invite you to take a moment and explore what’s inside.

Key Recommendations:

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Hiring or contracting with an excluded individual in connection with federal program services may result in civil monetary penalties or other administrative actions. Regular verification helps protect the practice and supports ongoing compliance efforts.

It has come to the attention of the NYSCA that some plan materials for certain 2026 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have included language that may appear confusing and contradictory.  We want to assure members that chiropractic spinal manipulation to correct a subluxation (active treatment) remains a covered service under all Medicare Advantage plans, consistent with Medicare Part B coverage.

As we enter the season of gratitude, November is an ideal time for chiropractic offices to reflect on patient satisfaction and retention and to express appreciation for the dedicated staff who make quality care possible. Focusing on the patient experience now allows practices to celebrate successes, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen relationships with both patients and team members. This year-end perspective supports quality care, workplace morale, and long-term practice growth.

In his latest Employer Handbook column, HSE partner Benjamin E. Mudrick breaks down the current status of the FTC’s proposed non-compete ban, which was blocked by a federal court and is no longer being pursued. He also highlights a new bill under consideration in New York that could significantly restrict non-compete agreements, with limited exceptions.

A Weekend of Learning, Connection, and Community 

This October, chiropractors, students, and corporate partners came together for a weekend filled with education, collaboration, and inspiration. Over three days, doctors earned up to 16 CE credits while exploring fresh perspectives in patient care, practice management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Happy Fall! We wanted to provide a quick update regarding our main legislative priority, our scope modernization bill, as well as invite you to a special webinar featuring our Government Affairs Counsel, Amy Kellogg, on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Life University honored Kent S. Greenawalt, Chairman and CEO of Foot Levelers, with induction into the Life University Academy of Fellows during Life Vision Extravaganza 2025 on Friday, September 19. The Academy of Fellows distinction recognizes individuals whose service and leadership have significantly advanced Life University and the chiropractic profession.

At Life Vision Extravaganza 2025, Life University presented Foot Levelers, Inc. with the Lifetime Giving Award on Saturday, September 20. The award recognizes the company’s decades of philanthropic support that have strengthened chiropractic education and the profession worldwide, as highlighted in the company’s 2024 Giving Back Annual Report.

Clive, Iowa — (October 2, 2025) — Chiropractical, NCMIC’s monthly podcast for chiropractors, is excited to feature Dr. Alan Sokoloff—better known as “Dr. Sok”—the longtime team chiropractor for the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles, and a recognized leader in sports chiropractic care.

ICD-10 applies to all parties covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), not just providers who bill Medicare or Medicaid. ICD10 diagnosis codes an updated every year. Improper coding will result in a claim denial. Remember, proper coding is essential for documentation, reporting and reimbursement.

Great things are happening in the Chiropractic profession in New York! If you have not heard about the recent updates within the state, we encourage you to reach out to your district leadership and attend a local district event to learn more.