Why is Blue Cross Blue Shield in a lawsuit?

Asked by: Rhea Hauck  |  Last update: June 19, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

The lawsuit alleged a range of antitrust violations by BCBS, including price fixing and allocating markets using exclusive service areas.

What is going on with Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?

Blue Cross denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement in 2020 to resolve claims that it overcharged commercial and individual subscribers. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor in Birmingham approved the settlement and fee award, and the U.S. Supreme Court finally pushed aside lingering objections in June.

What happened in the Blue Cross Blue Shield scandal?

The lawsuit alleged that BCBS member companies violated antitrust laws by agreeing to allocate markets via exclusive service areas and fixing prices paid to health care providers through the organization's BlueCard Program.

What happened to Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Antitrust settlement

In 2022, the group of 34 companies that make up the BCBS Association settled an antitrust investigation by allowing competition among member companies under non-Blue names while retaining regional exclusivity for regional licenses.

How long will the BCBS settlement be in review?

Settlement Status

The Court granted final approval to the Settlement on August 9, 2022. On January 26, 2024, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals denied an appeal of their October 25, 2023 decision affirming approval of the Settlement Agreement.

Should the Plaintiff lawyers in the Blue Cross settlement get fees of $667 million dollars?

38 related questions found

How much is the payout for the Blue Cross Blue Shield lawsuit?

If you or your business provided health care services, equipment or supplies to Blues Plan enrollees, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California or out-of-state Blue Card patients, anytime from July 24, 2008, to October 4, 2024, you may be eligible to submit a claim for your share of the $2.8 billion ...

How soon will I get my settlement check?

Injured victims usually have to wait 30 to 60 days to receive their settlement check. This is mostly due to factors like the defendant's insurance policy, the type of personal injury case, and more. The fastest way to receive your check is to have an attorney handle the process for you.

Who is buying out Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Elevance Health's $2.5 billion acquisition of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is on pause yet again amid concerns about the impact on competition.

What is the difference between Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Cross?

Historically speaking Blue Cross and Blue Shield were two separate entities with the Cross side representing the facilities (hospitals), and the Shield side representing providers(MD,PT,OT,ST OBGYN etc) after the initial mergers in the early 30s-60s.

How many people filed claims for the BCBS settlement?

As part of the settlement, the plans deny all allegations of wrongdoing. About six million people, including many in northwestern Pennsylvania, filed claims by the November 2021 deadline.

What settlements are going on right now?

Open Class Action Settlements
  • $150M Chevy Bolt battery defect class action settlement. Settlement. ...
  • $2.5M Professional Finance Co. data breach class action settlement. ...
  • $1.6M Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services data breach class action settlement. Settlement. ...
  • Subaru windshield defect class action settlement.

Why did Blue Cross Blue Shield change its name?

We will continue to do business as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Why the change? The upcoming name change reflects the company's strategy to elevate the importance of whole health and to advance health beyond healthcare for our customers, their families, and our communities.

How do I check the status of my BCBS settlement?

If you have questions about the settlement, including whether you may be a member of the class and eligible for a payment, please use one of three resources to find out more: The settlement website is www.bcbssettlement.com. The toll-free settlement hotline is 1-888-681-1142. The email address is info@BCBSsettlement. ...

How long does it take to get paid in a class action lawsuit?

In some instances, it'll only take weeks or months to receive a payment. This is especially true if the case is settled and approved by a court before going to trial. If a case goes to trial, it can take weeks, months, or even years before participants receive a payment.

What does it mean when a settlement is in review?

A settlement “in review” means the court is evaluating it for fairness.

Who owns Blue Cross and Blue Shield?

The Association owns and manages Blue Cross and Blue Shield trademarked plans in over 170 countries and grants licenses to independent companies to use the names in exclusive geographic areas. BCBSA companies provide health insurance to over 115 million people in the United States.

Is Blue Shield PPO or HMO better?

HMO plans are generally less expensive than PPO plans, with lower monthly payments, making them ideal if your favorite doctors are already in the network, or if you receive most of your care close to home.

Why is Blue Cross Blue Shield so good?

In every ZIP Code, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies offer a personalized approach to health care based on the needs of the communities where their members live and work. They work closely with hospitals and doctors in the communities they serve to provide quality, affordable health care.

Did Anthem buy out Blue Cross Blue Shield?

In 1996, The Associated Group changed its name to Anthem Insurance Company. In August 1997, Anthem acquired Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut. It also sold Acordia to management. In 1999, Anthem acquired Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado and Nevada.

Is Blue Cross cheaper than Blue Shield?

Depending on your region, the cheapest California health plan might be offered by Anthem Blue Cross or by Blue Shield of California. However, the rates tend to be about the same. The big difference is network. Which plan offers the most doctors, hospitals and medical provider networks?

Can my attorney cash my settlement check?

No, your lawyer will not cash your settlement check.

How is settlement money divided?

After the presiding judge reviews the settlement offer in a class-action lawsuit and determines that it is fair and adequate compensation, the settlement amount is divided. Depending on their participation in the class action lawsuit, the lead plaintiff receives their percentage first.

How to find out settlement amount?

A standard formula for calculating an injury settlement includes multiplying the amount of your pain and suffering by your medical expenses and lost income. For calculating pain and suffering, a typical multiplier ranges between 1.5 and 5 and includes emotional distress and inconvenience.