Summary: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), enacted in December 2020, is a substantial piece of legislation aimed at enhancing transparency and affordability in health care.
At Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND), we are committed to complying with the CAA and making sure our members and partners benefit from these changes. The CAA introduces several critical reforms, including transparent health care costs on plan and provider websites, the elimination of certain unexpected billing and continuity of care when providers leave our network.
These changes apply to both individual and group health plans, with specific provisions for grandfathered and non-grandfathered plans. While we have diligently worked to implement these changes, please note that certain aspects of the CAA are subject to phased implementation due to federal guidance timelines.