If you or your employer paid for a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance policy in the past two decades, you may be eligible for a payout from a historic $2.67 billion class action settlement.
This settlement follows a lawsuit accusing Blue Cross Blue Shield companies of violating antitrust laws, which allegedly restricted competition and kept premiums artificially high. Although the companies denied wrongdoing, they agreed to a massive settlement in 2020 to resolve the legal claims.
What Was the BCBS Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit claimed that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and its affiliated companies unlawfully agreed to limit competition among themselves in the health insurance market. It was alleged that BCBS companies:
- Divided geographic territories to avoid competing with each other
- Used their network dominance to keep premiums high
- Violated federal antitrust laws, particularly the Sherman Act
These anti-competitive practices allegedly harmed both individual policyholders and employer groups that purchased insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield providers between 2008 and 2024.
Though BCBS denied all wrongdoing, the companies chose to settle the case to avoid further litigation.
Settlement Amount and Distribution
The total settlement amount is an impressive $2.67 billion, making it one of the largest antitrust settlements in U.S. healthcare history. The breakdown is as follows:
- Around $1.9 billion is being distributed to eligible class members
- The remaining amount covers attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and legal expenses
The size of each individual payment will depend on several factors, including the type of insurance plan held (fully insured vs. self-funded), the number of months the coverage was held, and how many eligible claims are submitted.
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Who Is Eligible for the BCBS Settlement?
You may qualify for the settlement if you fall into either of the following categories:
1. Fully Insured Class Members
These are individuals or businesses who purchased a BCBS health insurance policy where the insurer assumed the financial risk. This applies to most standard health insurance policies bought by individuals or small businesses.
Eligibility requirements:
- You or your company paid BCBS premiums between February 7, 2008, and October 2024.
2. Self-Funded Accounts
These are larger companies or organizations that used BCBS only for administrative services while covering the cost of employee healthcare themselves.
Eligibility requirements:
- You were a self-funded account that contracted with BCBS between September 1, 2015, and October 16, 2020.
How to File a Claim
If you are eligible, here’s how to submit your claim:
Online
Visit the official claims website: www.bcbssettlement.com
You will need to:
- Provide your name and contact details
- Specify whether you’re filing as an individual or on behalf of a business
- Submit your insurance details (e.g., policy dates, type of coverage)
- Upload supporting documents if available (optional but helpful)
By Mail
You can also request a paper form from the claims administrator and mail it to the address listed on the website.
Claim Deadlines
The original claim filing deadline was November 5, 2021, but it has now been extended to July 29, 2025. If you missed the earlier deadline but believe you’re eligible, it’s worth visiting the website to inquire about your options.
The payment distribution timeline is expected to begin after all appeals are resolved and the court gives final approval. As of 2024, payments have not yet been made, but updates are posted regularly on the settlement website.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
The exact amount of money you can receive depends on several factors:
- The number of months of coverage you had with BCBS
- Whether your plan was fully insured or self-funded
- The total number of approved claims
Fully insured class members will generally receive higher payments, as they directly paid premiums to Blue Cross.
Here’s a rough example based on court filings:
- An individual who had BCBS insurance for 5 years could receive a few hundred dollars.
- A small business that paid premiums for multiple employees could receive thousands of dollars.
However, the final amount depends on how many people file and how much each claim is worth.
Which Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies Are Included?
The settlement covers all independent BCBS companies, including but not limited to:
| Company Name |
|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama |
| Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield |
| Highmark BCBS |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas |
| BCBS of Florida |
| Regence Blue Shield |
| Empire Blue Cross |
| Horizon BCBS of New Jersey |
| CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield |
| And many others |
In total, over 30 BCBS organizations across the U.S. are part of the settlement.
Is This Settlement Legit?
Yes, the Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust settlement is legitimate. It was approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The settlement was negotiated over several years and includes detailed legal oversight and an independent claims administrator.
Be cautious of scams. The official website is: www.bcbssettlement.com
Do not trust emails or calls demanding payment or sensitive personal information to claim your share.
Why This Settlement Matters
This settlement is significant because it sheds light on how lack of competition can harm consumers by driving up premiums and limiting choices. The case underscores the need for transparency and fair practices in the healthcare industry.
If you or your company paid for BCBS insurance between 2008 and 2020, you may be entitled to a share of the $2.67 billion fund—even if you no longer have a policy or haven’t filed a claim yet.
Check your eligibility, file your claim, and stay updated through the official website to ensure you don’t miss your chance to receive what you’re owed.