The following classes may be eligible for payment from the settlement amount:
- 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;
- Insured Groups [1] (and their employees) 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; and
Who is eligible for the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement?
As part of the settlement, the plans deny all allegations of wrongdoing. Anyone who was enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield individual or group insurance plan between Feb. 7, 2008 and Oct. 16, 2020 may be eligible for money. Those enrolled in a self-funded account between Sept. 1, 2015 and Oct. 16, 2020 also may be eligible.
What is the class action 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.”
Where do I Send my Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement notice?
The Claims Administrator also sent postcards containing Blue Cross Blue Shield logos with the return address “Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91390, Seattle, WA 98111”. An example of the email notice and postcard notice can be found on the Important Documents page of this website. 6.
Who is eligible to receive payment from the settlement class periods?
You may be eligible to receive payment if you are an Individual, Insured Group 1 (and their employees) or Self-Funded Account 2 (and their employees) that purchased or were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan during one of the two Settlement Class Periods.
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.
Is Anthem BCBS part of the BCBS settlement?
In October 2020, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield was part of a class action settlement in a case brought by Blue Cross Blue Shield subscribers related to licensing agreements within the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System.
What is second Blue bid?
What is a Second Blue Bid? Following final approval of the settlement, certain large, self-funded national Employers will be able to request a bid for coverage from a second Settling Individual Blue Plan, in addition to their local Settling Individual Blue Plan.
What is the net settlement fund?
Net Settlement Fund means the net amount of the Settlement Fund after payment of court approved attorneys' fees and costs, any court approved service award and the costs of Notice, and any fees paid to the Claims Administrator.
What happened to the anthem settlement?
Anthem, Inc., an Indianapolis-based insurer, agreed to pay a record-setting $115 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed over a 2015 breach that affected 78.8 million individuals, Bloomberg reported June 23.
Why are government accounts excluded from BCBS settlement?
Government accounts are excluded from the settlement class as are entities that only had standalone dental and/or vision products. There are two Settlement Class Periods (timeframe for coverage/TPA services).
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 ...
How do you calculate net settlement?
In banking, net settlement is simply the sum of the day's credits and debits.
What is the difference between net settlement and gross settlement?
Gross Settlements. An alternative payment/settlement system is the Real-Time Gross Settlements System (RTGS), in which each transaction is settled with immediate payments, unlike net settlements, which are summed up and aggregated at the end of the day, before being paid.
What is the reason for the net payment system?
Net settlement is used because it reduces the amount of money that has to be held in the settlement medium compared to gross settlement, which requires immediate payment of each individual transaction. It also reduces inter-bank risks.
Why did I get a BCBS settlement email?
Class members may receive notice by email or mail advising them of their rights under the settlement, including how and where they can submit a claim for a settlement payment. You may also see or hear advertising related to the settlement on TV, radio, in print, as well as online.
Why is Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield being sued?
According to the lawsuit, Anthem BCBS of Georgia's policy violates the prudent layperson standard, which is a federal law requiring insurance companies to cover the costs of emergency care based on a patient's symptoms – not their final diagnosis.
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.
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 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.
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 did the Blue Cross class action suit affect antitrust laws?
In the class-action suit, plaintiffs alleged Blue Cross “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.” The plaintiffs argued Blue Cross was able to charge higher rates for plans through the practice of limiting competition.
How to file a claim for unemployment in 2021?
The easiest way to file a claim is online. But you can also submit your claim by mail as long as it is postmarked on Nov. 5, 2021.
How much did Blue Cross Blue Shield settle in 2020?
In Oct. 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield reached a $2.67 billion settlement in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. A judge has not given final approval to the settlement.
What does 2 Wants to Know mean?
Usually, 2 Wants To Know tells you to beware of your emails in your inbox. This time, we want you to check for an email from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). It could be your last reminder to get part of a $2.6 billion settlement. The deadline to be part of the settlement is Nov. 5, 2021.
When is the BCBS settlement deadline?
Are you eligible for money in the BCBS settlement? The deadline is Nov. 5
Is Microsoft compensated for links?
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Can you sue someone for no money?
OPT-OUT: You get no money but can still sue them.
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.
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.
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.
Is there a second blue bid?
You may be included in both Settlement Classes. 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.
Can non-employers get a second blue bid?
While non-Employer accounts may be members of the Damages Class and eligible to receive monetary payments from the Settlement Fund, they are not eligible to request a Second Blue Bid. Non-Employer accounts, include, but are not limited to, Taft-Hartley trusts, multiple employer welfare arrangements, association health plans, retiree groups, ...
Does the settlement affect the Blue Bid?
The settlement will not adversely impact any existing benefits or coverage. Class Members, including those not eligible for a Second Blue Bid, will benefit from operational changes being made as a result of the settlement, such as the elimination of the National Best Efforts Requirement.
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.
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.
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.
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 government account?
A government account includes a federal, state, county, or municipal entity, but does not include utilities, school districts, public libraries, port or transportation authorities, waste disposal districts or police or fire departments.
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 ...
Who is eligible for BCBS payment?
Those eligible to receive payment are Individuals, Insured Groups or Self-Funded Accounts that purchased or were enrolled in a BCBS health insurance or administrative services plan during one of the two settlement periods.
What is the BCBS lawsuit?
According to the BCBS settlement website, the settlement will resolve claims that the insurers “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.”.
Why did BCBS change their business?
BCBS also agreed to make changes in the way they do business to increase the opportunities for competition in the market for health insurance.
Why do plaintiffs and defendants settle?
Instead, according to BCBS, plaintiffs and settling defendants have agreed to a settlement in order to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
How much did Blue Cross Blue Shield settle?
Employee Benefits, Health Care. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) reached a $2.67 billion settlement in a class-action antitrust lawsuit from October of last year.
What happens if you don't exclude yourself from a settlement?
If you do not exclude yourself, you may also choose to object the settlement. You will still be bound by the settlement if your objection is rejected.
How much is the net settlement?
The Net Settlement is estimated, once attorney fees and administrative expenses are deducted, to be approximately $1.9 billion.
When is the BCBS settlement due?
The settlement will be provided for fully insured plans 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 there a settlement with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association?
One recent settlement has received much attention as it focuses on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. 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 BCBS system.
Who is the firm administering the settlement claims?
JND Legal is the firm administering the settlement claims is and it is their responsibility to notify the affected parties of the settlement and how to file. Detailed information can be found on the settlement website at www.bcbssettlement.com/
Is dental and vision part of a settlement?
Dental and vision is not a part of the settlement. Employers will need to receive their unique ID to use when filing a claim. As they are the defendants, your local BCBS representatives will likely not share details when asked questions about the suit, and will usually direct you to the settlement website.
