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 should I expect from BCBS settlement?
The exact number of claims was not available on the website but if, say, 1.5 million people filed valid claims, then the average payment would be $12.66. If 150,000 people filed claims, then the average payment would be $126.60.
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 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).
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 ...
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 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 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.
Are federal employees eligible for BCBS settlement?
Government Accounts (states, counties, municipalities, unincorporated associations performing municipal functions, Native American tribes, or the federal government) are excluded from the Settlement.
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.
How long does it take to receive money from a class action settlement?
The answer is typically between one and six weeks after your attorney reaches a settlement or the judge hearing your case awards you monetary damages. The reason why it takes as long as it does is your lawyer receives your settlement check to take care of certain expenses before you receive just compensation.
How long does it take to get paid after a settlement?
While rough estimates usually put the amount of time to receive settlement money around four to six weeks after a case it settled, the amount of time leading up to settlement will also vary. There are multiple factors to consider when asking how long it takes to get a settlement check.
How long does it take to receive compensation after accepting offer?
In some cases, insurers will process the compensation payout within a few days. In most cases, though, you will have to wait between two and four weeks to receive your compensation.
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.
What is going on with the Facebook settlement?
The lawsuit — known as "Facebook Internet Tracking Litigation" — accuses Facebook of "improperly obtaining and collecting data" through non-Facebook websites that displayed a Facebook "Like" button. Facebook has denied any wrongdoing, but is still choosing to settle the matter without going to trial.
What is happening with the Facebook lawsuit in Illinois?
Facebook, Inc. has settled a class action that claimed Facebook collected and stored the biometric data of Facebook users in Illinois without the proper notice and consent in violation of Illinois law as part of its “Tag Suggestions” feature and other features involving facial recognition technology.
How do I check my claim status on Facebook?
You can review your claims and chargebacks in Commerce Manager. From your account, go to Orders > Disputes to view your active, pending and closed claims. From the dashboard, you can filter by status or dispute.
What is a settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Class Representatives (“Plaintiffs”) reached a Settlement on October 16, 2020 with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) and Settling Individual Blue Plans. BCBSA and Settling Individual Blue Plans are called “Settling Defendants.”. Plaintiffs allege that Settling Defendants violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not ...
What is this Settlement about?
This settlement, arising from a class action antitrust lawsuit called In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation MDL 2406, N.D. Ala. Master File No. 2:13-cv-20000-RDP (the “Settlement”), was reached on behalf of individuals and companies that purchased or received health insurance provided or administered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. Class Representatives (“Plaintiffs”) reached a Settlement on October 16, 2020 with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) and Settling Individual Blue Plans. BCBSA and Settling Individual Blue Plans are called “Settling Defendants.”
How do I participate in the Settlement?
To make a claim and receive a payment, you must file a claim form online or by mail postmarked by November 5, 2021. Claims may be submitted online or by mail to:
How did settlement defendants violate antitrust laws?
Plaintiffs allege that Settling Defendants violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not to compete with each other and to limit competition among themselves in selling health insurance and administrative services for health insurance. Settling Defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing and assert that their conduct results in lower healthcare costs and greater access to care for their customers. The Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Instead, Plaintiffs and Settling Defendants have agreed to a Settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
Who decides whether to approve a settlement?
The Court in charge of this case still has to decide whether to approve the Settlement. Payments will be made if the Court approves the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved. Please be patient.
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 do I Exclude Myself, or “Opt Out”, from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement?
If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you may send a request for exclusion (“opt out”). You will not receive any money, but you will keep your right to sue Blue Cross Blue Shield for the claims in this case. Opt outs must be postmarked by July 28, 2021.
When did the Blue Cross Blue Shield class action lawsuit end?
The attorneys representing the plaintiffs and the defendants agreed to a $2.67 billion settlement on October 16, 2020.
How did Blue Cross Blue Shield violate antitrust laws?
The class action alleged that Blue Cross Blue Shield violated antitrust laws by entering into agreements not to compete and to limit competition among in selling health insurance and administrative services for health insurance.
When can I opt out of Blue Cross Blue Shield?
$300). Second, you can opt out of the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement by July 28, 2021, retain your own attorney, and receive a lot more money (i.e. $3,000.00).
When will Blue Cross Blue Shield pay out in 2021?
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement provides monetary payments to class members who submit a valid claim by November 5 , 2021. To make a claim and receive a small payment, you must file a claim form online or by mail.
When do you have to mail your exclusion request?
You must mail or email your Exclusion Request, postmarked or received by July 28, 2021, to:
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.
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?
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:
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 Pu…
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”). As p…
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 Shield health insurance or …
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 e…
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 informatio…
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 allocati…