The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA-2021) was a massive US law providing funding for the government and addressing various policy issues. Here’s a basic summary:
Main Focus: Funding government operations, COVID-19 relief, and addressing policy priorities.
Key Areas:
- COVID-19: Provided additional relief funds for individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems impacted by the pandemic.
- Healthcare: Increased transparency in health plans, addressed surprise medical bills, and strengthened mental health and addiction treatment coverage.
- Education: Continued funding for education programs and institutions.
- Defense: Funded the military and defense programs.
- Other: Addressed diverse areas like infrastructure, agriculture, environment, and disaster relief.
Impact on Occupational Health:
- Indirectly influenced through health plan transparency, surprise billing protections, and mental health parity.
- May lead to better workplace health programs due to increased awareness and potential demand for occupational health services.
The CAA-2021 doesn’t directly address occupational health programs. However, it contains several provisions that could indirectly impact the way occupational health professionals work with employers and their own employees to provide total person health programs.
Here are some key provisions with potential implications:
- Increased Health Plan Transparency:
- CAA-2021 requires employers to provide more information about their health plans, including costs, quality of care, and provider networks.
- This could help occupational health professionals make informed recommendations to employers about how to design or select health plans that best meet the needs of their employees.
- It could also make it easier for employees to understand their health benefits and make informed choices about their healthcare.
If you are operating your own employee health department or an onsite clinic for an employer client, start with the Corporate Health Profile to identify the risks and high cost areas by disease categories and pharmacy spend. Then co-design the services and interventions you’ll provide in the program to mitigate those risks, improving worker health, happiness and productivity.
- No Surprises Act:
- The No Surprises Act prohibits surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers. This could benefit employees who receive care from out-of-network providers during work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Occupational health professionals can educate employees about the No Surprises Act and help them understand their rights regarding out-of-network billing.
- Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act:
- The CAA-2021 strengthens mental health parity and addiction equity laws, requiring health plans to cover mental health and substance abuse treatment equally as well as other physical health services.
- This could make it easier for employees to access mental health and substance abuse treatment through their employer-sponsored health plans.
- Occupational health professionals can play a role in promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace and providing resources to employees struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):
- The CAA-2021 makes some changes to the rules for health FSAs, allowing employees to carry over unused funds from year to year and use them for a wider range of expenses, including over-the-counter medications and menstrual products.
- This could make FSAs a more attractive option for employees who want to save money on healthcare costs.
- Occupational health professionals can educate employees about the benefits of FSAs and help them choose the right plan for their needs.
- Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act (CAUWA):
- The CAUWA provides temporary tax relief and extended unemployment benefits for individuals who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This could help laid-off employees maintain access to health insurance and other benefits through their former employer’s health plan.
- Occupational health professionals can provide resources and support to unemployed individuals who are struggling to manage their health and well-being.
Overall, the CAA-2021 is likely to have a modest but positive impact on the work of occupational health professionals. By increasing transparency, addressing healthcare costs, and supporting mental health, the Act could create a more supportive environment for employers and employees to invest in total personal health programs.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The CAA-2021 is a complex piece of legislation, and its full impact on occupational health is still to be determined.
- Occupational health professionals should stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidance from the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other relevant agencies.
- Occupational health professionals should work closely with employers to develop and implement total person health programs that meet the specific needs of their employees.
