Is the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement agreement a scam?
In 2021, Snopes readers reported receiving postcards in the mail alerting them to a settlement agreement regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, with many wondering whether the postcards were to be believed or if it was a scam. The settlement is real, as Bloomberg Law explains.
Are you eligible to be part of the Blue Cross settlement?
Those covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield between February 2008 and October 2020 could be eligible to be part of the settlement. AL.com described the case, which originated in Alabama, as “one of the largest health care settlements in U.S. history.” AL.com further reported:
Who is covered by the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Act?
The settlement covers individuals and insured groups (and their employees) who purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between February 7, 2008 and October 16, 2020.
What is the Blue Cross Blue Shield case?
Filed in February 2012, the case alleged Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans divided up insurance markets across the country and agreed not to compete with one another across those markets.
Is the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement real?
The tentative $2.67 billion settlement was reached in October 2020 after more than 35 Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans, including Highmark, were sued for allegedly violating antitrust laws, according to https://www.bcbssettlement.com, the settlement's official website.
What was the outcome of the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
The judge has awarded legal fees of $626 million, representing 23.47% of the settlement fund. A long-running $2.7 billion antitrust settlement against Blue Cross Blue Shield has been finalized in federal court. U.S. District Court Judge R.
What is BCBS settlement email?
[email protected] settlement website is www.bcbssettlement.com. The toll-free settlement hotline is 1-888-681-1142. The email address is [email protected].
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 notice BCBSsettlement?
The Notice summarizes the proposed Settlement. More details are in the Settlement Agreement. You can find a copy of the Settlement Agreement and other important documents on the Important Documents page. You may contact the Claims Administrator at [email protected] or toll-free at (888) 681-1142.
Where is the unique ID on the BCBS settlement postcard?
You will need a Unique ID code from the settlement to file a claim. If you received a postcard notice, the Unique ID is the 10-digit code of letters and numbers in the upper left corner of the inside of the postcard.
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 much did people get from Facebook settlement?
According to a press release, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has granted "preliminary approval" of a $90 million settlement with Facebook's parent company involving the famous "Like" button.
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.
Is Facebook still sending checks?
Facebook is currently sending out settlement checks to its users, and these checks are close to $400.
What is the class action guide?
If you received a class action notice in the mail, this simply means that your legal rights may be affected by a lawsuit that was recently filed or settled. Notices are sent to people whose rights could be affected by a class action.
Why does Blue Cross Blue Shield keep calling me?
Robocall Scams Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has received reports that some individuals are receiving robocalls that falsely claim to be made by “Blue Cross Blue Shield.” These calls may seek to market insurance products or collect personal information from call recipients.
How much is the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
A $2.67 billion settlement was reached on Oct. 16, 2020. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Website, “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.”.
What was the settlement agreement for Blue Cross Blue Shield?
The settlement agreement includes changes to the Blue Cross business model designed to enhance the market for health insurance, including eliminating a cap on revenue that BCBS affiliates could earn selling other health insurance plans.
How many options are there for a class action lawsuit?
Members of the class covered in the lawsuit have four options. They can file a claim as part of the settlement, opt out of the settlement and maintain the ability to file a separate lawsuit, object to the settlement in a letter to the court or do nothing and receive no payment. Those who wish to object must postmark their letters by July 28, 2021.
Is Snopes a scam?
Snopes readers have reported receiving postcards in the mail alerting them to the settlement. In 2021, Snopes readers reported receiving postcards in the mail alerting them to a settlement agreement regarding Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, with many wondering whether the postcards were to be believed or if it was a scam.
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.
What happens if you select the alternative option?
If you select the Alternative Option, you must submit relevant data or records showing a higher contribution percentage. Otherwise the Default Option will be used. Instructions for submitting your claim are on the claim form, available here. When required, sufficient documentation shall include an attestation signed under penalty of perjury when other documentation is no longer available.
What is the proposed settlement for Blue Cross Blue Shield?
The proposed settlement resolves claims that Blue Cross Blue Shield companies conspired to limit competition, in turn boosting costs for policyholders.
How long does it take to fill out a claim form?
Filling out the claim form takes only a few minutes. You will need your insurance subscriber information.
When did Blue Cross Blue Shield settle?
The settlement was reached in October 2020 after the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans were sued for allegedly violating antitrust laws, according to https://www.bcbssettlement.com, the settlement's official website.
What to do if you didn't receive a settlement email?
If you didn't receive an email or postcard about the settlement and feel that you qualify, you can file a claim on the settlement's website , which I mentioned above.
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 ...
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.
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 Much Can I Get from The Settlement?
- Those who submit valid claims are eligible to receive a cash payment from the approximately $1.9 billion net settlement fund. The amount of the payment will depend on, among other factors, the amount of premiums or administrative fees you paid and the number of valid claims that are file…
Who Is Covered by The Settlement?
- The settlement covers individuals and insured groups (and their employees) who purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between February 7, 2008 and October 16, 2020. The settlement also covers self-funded accounts (and their employees) who purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insu…
How Do I File A Claim?
- The easiest way to file a claim is to use the online portal on the settlement website, found here. You’ll need your unique ID from the email or postcard you received. (If you don’t have a unique ID, you can still file a claim using the same portal.) You can also download a copy of the claim form, found here, and mail it to the below address: All claim forms must be submitted online or postm…
Where Can I Find More Information?
- For more information, check out the settlement website, particularly the FAQ section. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, you can reach out to the settlement administrator at [email protected] or call toll-free at (888) 681-1142. If you’re interested in getting class action news and updates, including information about settlements, sent straight to your inbox, si…