Wednesday, January 13, 2021 The Consolidated Appropriations Act (the “Act’”) was signed into law by the president on December 27, 2020, and includes significant health and welfare benefits provisions that affect group health plans and health insurance issuers. The Act is the most comprehensive single piece of legislation to impact group health plans since the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This On the Subject summarizes the key provisions of the Act that apply to group health and welfare plan sponsors. The Act includes provisions regarding (1) flexible spending arrangements; (2) surprise medical billing; (3) mental health and substance use disorder benefits; (4) pharmacy benefits reporting; and (5) disclosure of service provider compensation. (For a summary of the Act’s key health provisions, please click here.)