If you or your employer have contributed to a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance policy in the last two decades, you could qualify for a payout from a significant $2.67 billion class action settlement.
This settlement arises from a lawsuit alleging that Blue Cross Blue Shield companies breached antitrust laws, purportedly hindering competition and maintaining excessively high premiums. While the companies denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to a substantial settlement in 2020 to settle the claims.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the Blue Cross Blue Shield class action settlement: eligibility, potential payout amounts, claim filing instructions, and important deadlines to keep in mind.
Overview of the BCBS Lawsuit
The lawsuit claimed that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and its member companies unlawfully conspired to limit competition in the health insurance industry.
The allegations included that BCBS firms:
- Divided territories to minimize competition among themselves
- Exploited their network dominance to maintain high premiums
- Violated federal antitrust regulations, notably the Sherman Act
These anti-competitive actions reportedly harmed both individual policyholders and employer groups that obtained insurance from BCBS providers between 2008 and 2024.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, BCBS elected to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation.
Settlement Amount and Distribution
The total settlement fund amounts to $2.67 billion, making it one of the largest antitrust settlements in U.S. healthcare history.
Distribution of this amount is as follows:
- Approximately $1.9 billion will be allocated to eligible class members
- The remaining funds cover attorneys’ fees, administrative expenses, and legal costs
The amount each individual will receive depends on various factors, including:
- The type of insurance plan (fully insured vs. self-funded)
- The duration of the coverage held
- The total number of claims received
Who Qualifies for the BCBS Settlement?
If you meet the criteria in either of the following categories, you may be eligible:
1. Fully Insured Class Members
This category includes individuals or businesses that acquired a BCBS health insurance policy where the insurer bore the financial risk. This generally applies to standard health insurance plans purchased by individuals or small businesses.
✅ Eligibility criteria:
- You or your organization paid BCBS premiums between February 7, 2008, and October 2024.
2. Self-Funded Accounts
This category is for larger corporations or entities that utilized BCBS solely for administrative services, while covering the healthcare costs for employees independently.
✅ Eligibility criteria:
- You were a self-funded account that engaged with BCBS between September 1, 2015, and October 16, 2020.
Claim Filing Instructions
Online Submission
Visit the official claims website:
👉 www.bcbssettlement.com
You’ll need to:
- Provide your name and contact information
- Indicate whether you are filing as an individual or on behalf of a business
- Input your insurance information (e.g., policy dates, coverage type)
- Optionally, attach supporting documents if available (though not mandatory)
Mail Submission
Alternatively, you can request a paper form from the claims administrator and send it to the address provided on the website.
Important 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 initial deadline but believe you’re eligible, visit the website for more information about your options.
Payments are expected to be distributed after all appeals have been resolved and the court gives final approval. As of 2024, payments have not yet been distributed, but updates are regularly provided on the settlement website.
Potential Payout Amounts
There is no predetermined payout amount; your share will depend on:
- The duration of your coverage with BCBS
- Whether your plan was fully insured or self-funded
- The total number of approved claims
Generally, fully insured class members can expect larger payouts since they directly paid premiums to Blue Cross.
For example, based on court documents:
- An individual with BCBS coverage for 5 years might receive a few hundred dollars
- A small business that paid premiums for several employees could potentially receive thousands of dollars
Ultimately, the final sum will depend on the overall number of claims submitted and the value assigned to each claim.
Participating Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies
The settlement encompasses all independent BCBS companies, including but not limited to:
- 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 more
In total, over 30 BCBS organizations across the United States are included in the settlement.
Is the Settlement Genuine?
Yes, the Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust settlement is genuine and has been approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The settlement involved several years of negotiation and includes thorough legal oversight along with an independent claims administrator.
Always remain vigilant against scams. The official website is:
👉 www.bcbssettlement.com
Be cautious of any emails or calls asking for payment or sensitive personal details in order to claim your share.
Significance of This Settlement
The Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement is a pivotal case in the history of U.S. healthcare, shedding light on how a lack of competition can negatively impact consumers through elevated premiums and restricted choices.
If you or your organization have paid for BCBS insurance between 2008 and 2020, you may be entitled to a portion of the $2.67 billion fund, even without an active policy or a claim filed yet.
Verify your eligibility, file a claim, and stay informed via the official website to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to receive what you’re entitled to.
