January 10, 2025

Multibillion-Dollar Antitrust Settlement in Blue Cross Blue Shield Case Granted Preliminary Approval

A federal district court in Alabama has preliminarily approved the multibillion-dollar antitrust settlement from a class-action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield and its affiliates. The settlement includes a fund of $2.8 billion in cash earmarked for the plaintiffs, which include physicians, group practices, and health care facilities.

The court's decision, handed down on Dec. 6, advances the settlement to a final fairness hearing on July 29.

Eligibility criteria now available; submit your claim by July 29

Specifics on eligibility for funds are now available on a dedicated settlement website. Physicians and physician groups are advised to review the eligibility criteria before submitting a claim. Class members who submit a valid approved claim will receive a payment from the settlement fund if the settlement is approved. Claims must be submitted online or mailed and postmarked by July 29, 2025.

Background

In 2012, the plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield and its affiliates alleging the insurer colluded to divide geographic regions to avoid competition with each other and reduce reimbursements. Nationally, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes 33 independent, locally operated Blue Cross companies. Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates in Washington state include Premera Blue Cross and Regence Blue Shield.

In addition to the large damages fund, monies dedicated to system improvements will help address longstanding administrative issues with the BlueCard Program, among many other changes favorable to physician groups, hospitals, and other contracted entities.

For more information on the case, read the co-lead counsel's update. The settlement agreement can be read here.