How much Blue Cross settlement?
– A $2.67 billion settlement to resolve antitrust charges against health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield will result in payments to some consumers of Premera and Regence health plans in Washington. The settlement signed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama affects the 36 Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers nationwide.
Why is BCBS being sued?
The lawsuit claims that Blue Cross violated antitrust laws by reducing competition in their areas, allowing for higher rates on some plans. However, Blue Cross denies allegations of wrongdoing, claiming its actions resulted in lower health care costs and greater access to customers and has agreed to a settlement. Here’s what you should know:
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield over Viagra?
This allows us to help CPAP patients with different insurance carriers in all 50 states, instead of being limited to one service area..It means they have medication coverage A drug list, is a list of drugs available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) members.Sponsored and administered by: The Blue Cross and Blue Shield does federal blue cross blue shield cover viagra Association and participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.Visit your primary care physician 2020 Blue ...
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover the IUD?
My insurance does cover it fully ($400). I am opting for the copper IUD, which my Blue Cross insurance will cover. It depends on your plan. I have Blue Cross / Anthem and I was told that the cost of inserting the IUD is covered 100%, but Mirena itself isn't covered until I've met my $1000 deductible.
How much are people receiving from the BCBS settlement?
If approved, the settlement fund is estimated to be around $1.9 billion after attorney fees and administration costs are deducted. About $1.78 billion will be created for individuals, insured groups, and their employees and a $120 million fund will be created for self-funded accounts and their employees.
How much should I expect from BCBS settlement?
The $626 million represents 23.47% of the settlement fund. On its website, BCBS said, "The settlement received final approval on August 9, 2022. Payments from the settlement will be made to Class Members who submitted valid claims only after any appeals – if filed – are resolved.
What years does the BCBS settlement cover?
It is very difficult to estimate how much any employer or individual might receive as a payment. There have been tens of millions of people covered under BCBS plans during the settlement period and the settlement includes 13 years for fully-insured plans (2008-2020).
When can I expect my Facebook settlement check?
When will your settlement check arrive? Facebook class action update: “The Settlement Administrator began sending settlement payments to class members on May 9, 2022. It will take about two weeks to finish mailing the checks and processing the electronic payments.
What is the BCBS settlement all about?
Plaintiffs allege that Settling Defendants violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement where the Settling Defendants agreed not to compete with each other in selling health insurance and administration of Commercial Health Benefit Products in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as agreeing to other ...
What does it mean when a settlement is in review?
Settlement Review means the evaluation by the Settlement Facility, under Basic Review or Comprehensive Review, of each Unresolved Asbestos Claim or Post-Confirmation Asbestos Liability submitted to the Settlement Facility under the processes and procedures established by the CRP to determine whether a Settlement Offer ...
What is the net settlement fund?
Net Settlement Fund means the Settlement Fund less: (i) any Taxes; (ii) any Notice and Administration Costs; (iii) any Litigation Expenses awarded by the Court; and (iv) any attorneys' fees awarded by the Court.
Did Blue Cross have a settlement with Memorial Hermann?
Memorial Hermann hospital at the Texas Medical Center on July 24, 2019. The Memorial Hermann health system and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas on Friday announced that the two parties have reached a contract agreement, allowing nearly 200,000 patients to continue care at Memorial Hermann hospitals.
Is Jnd legal administration legit?
JND is well-known throughout the legal industry for providing the most responsive, trustworthy, and comprehensive legal administrative service in the country.
How much are the Facebook settlement checks?
Barring any further appeals, $397 settlement checks will go out within the next 60 days to nearly 1.6 million users in Illinois who submitted claims.
How do I know if I qualify for the Facebook lawsuit?
If you had a Facebook profile in 2010, you could be eligible for part of a $90 million payout stemming from accusations the social media giant illicitly tracked users across other websites. You'll need to act soon, though: The deadline for filing a valid claim is Sept. 22, 2022.
How can I check on my Facebook settlement check?
If you're unsure about your part in the settlement, you can call the Settlement Administrator at 1-844-799-2417.
How do I get my $400 from Facebook?
You must have filed a claim form by November 23, 2020 to receive a payout. If you do not remember whether you filed, or if you think there has been a mistake, you can contact one of the following: Settlement Administrator: 1-844-799-2417. Edelson PC, lawyer appointment to the case: 1-866-354-3015.
What happened to the Facebook settlement in Illinois?
Facebook agreed to pay $650 million to end the litigation, with the money to be split among Illinois Facebook users who filed claims by a certain deadline, minus costs and $97.5 million in attorneys' fees.
Is Facebook still sending checks?
Facebook is currently sending out settlement checks to its users, and these checks are close to $400.
What is happening with the Facebook lawsuit in Illinois?
Some Facebook users are receiving $397 checks over data privacy violations—and these tech companies could be next. This month, 1.4 million Illinois residents received checks up to $397, thanks to a class action lawsuit settled against Facebook.
How many members of large, geographically dispersed, self-funded national Employers are eligible for the second blue?
The Second Blue Bid provision of the Settlement Agreement was designed to enable 33 million Members of large, geographically dispersed, self-funded national Employers to have the opportunity to receive a Second Blue Bid.
Why is the Court approving the settlement notice?
The Court authorized the Notice because Class Members have a right to know about the proposed Settlement of certain claims against Settling Defendants in this class action lawsuit and about Class Members' options before the Court decides whether to approve the Settlement. If the Court approves the Settlement, and after objections ...
What is a class action lawsuit?
In a class action lawsuit, one or more people or businesses called class representatives sue on behalf of others who have similar claims. All of the people or businesses who have similar claims together are a “class” or “class members” if the class is certified by the Court. Individual class members do not have to file a lawsuit to participate in ...
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield a class member?
If you were covered by certain Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plans between February 2008 and October 2020, you may be a Class Member. The Court certified two Settlement Classes in this case, a Damages Class and an Injunctive Relief Class. You may be included in both Settlement Classes.
Can you sue a settlement defendant?
This means that you cannot sue, continue to sue, or be part of any other lawsuit against Settling Defendants that makes claims based on the facts and legal theories involved in this case or any of the business practices the Settling Defendants adopt pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.
Did the court decide in favor of the plaintiffs or settlement defendants?
The Court did not decide in favor of the Plaintiffs or Settling Defendants. Instead, both sides have agreed to the Settlement. Both sides want to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation. The Plaintiffs and their attorneys think the Settlement is best for the Settlement Classes. 5.
Do you have to file a lawsuit to join a class action?
Individual class members do not have to file a lawsuit to participate in the class action settlement or be bound by the judgment in the class action. One court resolves the issues for everyone in the class, except for those who exclude themselves from the class. 4. Why is there a Settlement?
When is the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
The final hearing on the settlement will be held on October 20, 2021. Multiple different damages classes including fully insured and self-funded plans are eligible to receive payment under the settlement.
When are self funded accounts due for Blue Cross?
Self-Funded Accounts [2] (and their employees) that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between September 1, 2015 – October 16, 2020.
What is a proposed settlement?
The Notice of Proposed Settlement was issued to inform employers and individuals who are eligible for payment (the damage class) about the proposed settlement and give them time to decide what action (if any) they wish to take and the deadlines for doing so. If the settlement is approved, class members will be bound by the terms of the settlement unless they affirmatively opt out of the settlement. The following table describes the options these class members have.
Can an employer ask for settlement information?
Employers may receive questions from their employees about this settlement, including advice on whether to file a claim or requests for information the employee needs to submit as part of their claim submission. While employers do not have any formal obligations to provide any notice/information, it may be helpful to provide some type of notice explaining the settlement to employees and informing them that they may have the right to file their own claims. Employees may also request certain information from employers (e.g., group numbers, policy numbers, coverage dates, etc.) that they need to file their claims. If employers have this information readily available, they may wish to provide it to employees (although again, there is no specific requirement to do so). Employers should be cautious in any communications with employees and should avoid saying or doing anything that appears to dissuade employees from filing their own claims.
How much did the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement cost?
OLYMPIA, Wash. – A $2.67 billion settlement to resolve antitrust charges against health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield will result in payments to some consumers of Premera and Regence health plans in Washington.
What states are covered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
The settlement signed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama affects the 36 Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers nationwide. In Washington, this includes Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield, Regence BlueShield of Oregon, and Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Inc.
How many people does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?
Blue Cross Blue Shield member companies cover more than 100 million Americans, or roughly a third of the nation’s population.
Who is the Commissioner of Insurance for Blue Cross Blue Shield?
But Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said the greater benefit will be increased competition among health insurers, especially those in other states that historically have had fewer choices in markets dominated by Blue Cross Blue Shield companies.
How long is BCBS settlement?
There have been tens of millions of people covered under BCBS plans during the settlement period and the settlement includes 13 years for fully-insured plans (2008-2020). During that time, trillions of dollars of insured premium were paid. Much will depend on the participation and claim filing rates of employers and individuals.
When do BCBS claims have to be posted?
Answer: After the claims period has closed (remember the deadline to file/postmark your claim is November 5, 2021), the settlement claims administrator will create a secure portal on the settlement website and post the year-by-year premiums and/or administrative fees (which form the basis of the claimant’s ultimate distribution) assigned to each claimant, based on data provided by the BCBS plan and any other information gather by the claim administrator through the claim process. While this figure will not represent the claimant’s settlement payment, it will identify the basis for calculating such payment. Claimants will be able to review the paid premium or fees used to calculate their award and can contest those figures and request a correction within 30 days of the secure portal posting.
What is a JND settlement agreement?
Answer: The settlement agreement requires that each BCBS plan provide the settlement claim administrator (JND Legal Administration) with billed premium and fee information and covered lives counts, as well contact information for class members, including a personal identifier (“unique ID”) that will be assigned to each potential claimant.
What is the settlement of a class action lawsuit?
In October of 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies reached an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit in a case brought by subscribers related to licensing agreements within the BCBS system. While the BCBS Companies rejected claims made by the plaintiffs in the case, they agreed to provide monetary payments to eligible individuals and employers and to make some operations changes across the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system. The parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation. The settlement terms will be reviewed by the Court on October 20, 2021 to determine if the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate.
What entities are eligible to file a claim?
Entities such as multiemployer welfare arrangements (MEWAs), Associations, and Taft Hartley Plans are also eligible to file a claim. BCBS Medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and stop-loss products are included. Enrollment only in a stand-alone vision or dental plan does not qualify for settlement consideration.
What is the phone number for settlement?
In addition, there is a settlement customer service line, (888) 681-1142, that employers or individuals may use to speak to a representative ...
Is a BCBS employee a class member?
Answer: Both employers (i.e. plan sponsors), and employees (but not dependents) covered under group health plans, as well as individuals purchasing BCBS insurance directly, are class members if they purchased or were enrolled in:
How much is the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
If you were covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plans between February 2008 and October 2020, you may be owed a cash refund from this $2.67 billion settlement. The settlement was agreed to after allegations that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association used price fixing to artificially raise the price ...
When is the Blue Cross Blue Shield refund due?
If you were covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plans between February 2008 and October 2020, you may be owed a cash refund from this $2.67 billion settlement. The settlement was agreed to after allegations that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association used price fixing to artificially raise the price of insurance rates across the country. Filing Deadline: November 5, 2021
How long has BCBSA been in litigation?
With BCBSA representing nearly a third of Americans with private health insurance, the impact of such allegations is massive. After 8 years of litigation, 15 million pages of documents, over 120 depositions, and more than a dozen motions to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims, all 36 members of the BCBSA have agreed to a proposed $2.67 billion ...
Why did the BCBSA charge higher rates?
The class members claimed that the rules allowed BCBSA members to charge significantly higher rates by not competing with each other. With limiting competition between each member of the association, members were able to create artificially high rates that consumers were forced to pay due to lack of other options.
When is the deadline for class action lawsuits in 2021?
As the November 5, 2021, filing deadline has passed, we are no longer accepting clients for this class action.
When is the BCBS settlement due?
For fully insured plans, the settlement will be provided to those insured between 2/7/2008 and 10/16/2020, and for self insured plans between 9/1/2015 and 10/16/2020. To receive funds from the settlement, both employers and employees who had a BCBS plan during these time frames need to make a claim to opt into the suit. The deadline for filing the claim is 11/5/2021.
How much is the settlement fund?
The settlement fund is estimated at $2.6 billion. Attorney fees, administration expenses, and other costs will be deducted first. The net fund to be distributed will be approximately $1.9 billion.
Is the payout per affected party substantial?
The number of people and employers who may qualify for payment is expected to be large, so the actual payout per affected party may not be substantial.
Is dental and vision part of settlement?
Dental and vision is not a part of the settlement.
Is Regence Blue Shield a part of the BCBS?
In October 2020, the BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) Association, of which both Regence Blue Shield and Premera Blue Cross are a part, reached a settlement in a lawsuit related to licensing agreements within the BC BS system. From the settlement, funds have been allocated to compensate both employers and employees who were covered by a BCBS plan ...
Introduction
Background
- In 2012, plaintiffs alleged that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its 35 member companies violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by agreeing not to compete in selling health insurance and administration of commercial health benefit products in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as agreeing to other means of limiting competition in the health insurance …
Key Provisions of The Settlement
- Under the terms of the settlement, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member plans would agree to: 1. Make changes to the way they do business to increase opportunities for competition in the health insurance market; and 2. Allow qualified national self-funded accounts to request a second bid for coverage from a member plan of their choice (“Second Blue Bid”). A…
Damages Classes
- The following classes may be eligible for payment from the settlement amount: 1. Individuals that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between February 7, 2008 – October 16, 2020; 2. Insured Groups (and their employees) that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shie...
Options For Damage Class Members
- The Notice of Proposed Settlementwas issued to inform employers and individuals who are eligible for payment (the damage class) about the proposed settlement and give them time to decide what action (if any) they wish to take and the deadlines for doing so. If the settlement is approved, class members will be bound by the terms of the settlement unless they affirmatively …
What Can/Should Employers do?
- Employers may receive questions from their employees about this settlement, including advice on whether to file a claim or requests for information the employee needs to submit as part of their claim submission. While employers do not have any formal obligations to provide any notice/information, it may be helpful to provide some type of notice explaining the settlement to …
Next Steps
- Next steps for employers who are eligible to file a claim: 1. Decide whether to: 1.1. File Claim 1.1.1. If filing a claim, determine whether to use default assumptions or elect an alternative option for calculating allocation. 1.2. Do Nothing 1.3. Opt Out 1.4. Object 1.5. Speak at Hearing 2. Decide whether to communicate to employees 2.1. If communicating upfront, determine what informati…
Conclusion
- It is important for employers to keep in mind that any individual settlement amount is likely to be relatively small – e.g., a few hundred dollars for a large employer, and under $100 for any individual employee. So, while it will be important to understand the allocation methods and the filing options, perspective is needed when determining whether to propose an alternative allocat…