Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) settled a major class action lawsuit for $2.67 billion. This settlement addresses claims that BCBS plans violated antitrust laws. Many want to know about the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person.
This article explains eligibility, payment amounts, and the claims process in simple terms. It aims to clarify how the settlement works and what to expect.
What Is the BCBS Settlement?
The BCBS settlement, finalized in 2020, resolves a 2012 lawsuit. It claimed over 35 BCBS plans agreed not to compete, raising insurance costs. The settlement includes a $2.67 billion fund for subscribers and policy changes.
Payments are now being distributed to eligible claimants. The process started after appeals were resolved in June 2024.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility includes individuals and businesses with BCBS insurance from February 7, 2008, to October 16, 2020. Self-funded accounts qualify from September 1, 2015, to October 16, 2020. You must have filed a claim by November 5, 2021.
Government employees and dependents are not eligible. About six million people filed valid claims.
How Much Is the Payout Per Person?
The Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person averages around $333. After legal fees and costs, $1.9 billion remains for distribution. Payouts depend on premiums paid and whether the plan was fully insured or self-funded.
Higher premium payers may receive more, up to $695 in some cases. Payments below $5 are not distributed.
How Payouts Are Calculated
Payouts are based on the total premiums or administrative fees paid during the class period. The formula divides your premiums by the total premiums of all claimants, then multiplies by the $1.78 billion fund for individuals and insured groups. Self-funded accounts share a separate $120 million fund.
The more premiums you paid, the larger your share. Employers and employees may split payouts based on contribution percentages.
Default Allocation Process
BCBS uses a default allocation for splitting payouts between employers and employees. Employees are assumed to pay 15% of individual premiums or 34% of family premiums for fully insured plans. Self-funded plans assume 18% for single coverage and 25% for family coverage.
You could request an alternative allocation with proof of higher contributions. This requires additional documentation.
Table: BCBS Settlement Payout Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $2.67 billion, $1.9 billion after fees for subscribers |
| Eligibility Period | Individuals/Insured Groups: Feb 7, 2008–Oct 16, 2020; Self-Funded: Sep 1, 2015–Oct 16, 2020 |
| Average Payout | ~$333 per claimant, varies by premiums paid |
| Claim Deadline | November 5, 2021; no new claims accepted |
| Payment Status | Notices emailed on a rolling basis; payments expected in 2025 |
This table summarizes key payout details, but check the official website for updates.
Claims Process
Claims had to be filed by November 5, 2021, online or by mail. The settlement administrator, JND Legal Administration, is now reviewing claims. Claim determination notices are emailed on a rolling basis.
Payments await final review of all claims and disputes. No exact payment date is set yet.
How to Check Your Claim Status
Log into the BCBS settlement website (bcbssettlement.com) with your unique ID and PIN. These were sent via email or postcard. The site shows your claim status and estimated premiums paid.
If you disagree with the premium amount, you can dispute it with evidence. Check spam folders for notices.
Avoiding Scams
Scammers may target claimants with fake emails or calls. Legitimate notices come from Notice@BCBSsettlement.com or the address “Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91390, Seattle, WA 98111.” The settlement website shows examples of valid forms.
Never share personal information with unsolicited contacts. Verify all communication through the official website.
Injunctive Relief Benefits
The settlement includes policy changes to increase competition. BCBS plans must allow more bidding opportunities, like the Second Blue Bid for self-funded employers. A monitoring committee oversees these changes for five years.
These reforms aim to lower premiums long-term. All members benefit, even non-claimants.
Steps to Ensure Payment
To secure your Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person, follow these steps:
- Check your email or mail for claim determination notices.
- Verify your claim status on bcbssettlement.com.
- Update your address with JND Legal Administration if you moved.
- Dispute incorrect premium amounts with supporting documents.
These steps help ensure you receive your payment.
Why Payments Are Delayed
Appeals delayed the settlement until June 2024, when the Supreme Court upheld it. The administrator is reviewing six million claims, a time-consuming process. Disputes over premium amounts or allocations also slow distribution.
Payments are expected in 2025, after all reviews are complete. Check the settlement website for updates.
Appeals for Denied Claims
If your claim is rejected, you can dispute it through the settlement website. Provide proof, like insurance records or premium statements, to support your case. Disputes must be filed promptly, following instructions in the claim determination notice.
Contact JND Legal Administration at 1-888-681-1142 for assistance. Keep records of all correspondence.
Impact on Future Lawsuits
By staying in the settlement, you waive the right to sue BCBS for the same antitrust issues. This includes claims about market division or price-fixing from 2008–2020. Opting out was required by November 2021 to preserve lawsuit rights.
The settlement’s injunctive relief may still benefit future claims. Consult a lawyer for legal advice.
Special Cases: Employer Plans
Employees under employer-sponsored plans may receive smaller payouts if the employer paid most premiums. The default allocation assumes employers paid 85% (individual) or 66% (family) of premiums. You can challenge this with proof of higher contributions.
Contact your employer’s HR team for premium records. This helps maximize your payout.
Regional Variations
BCBS operates through independent plans, like BCBS of Arizona or Highmark. Payout calculations use data from your specific plan. For example, BCBS of Alabama covers 87% of Arizona’s insured market, affecting premium data.
Check your plan’s records for accurate premium amounts. Regional differences may impact your payout.
Common Misconceptions
Some believe payouts are equal for all claimants, but they vary by premiums paid. Another myth is that new claims are still accepted—the deadline was November 2021. Government employees also mistakenly think they’re eligible, but they’re excluded.
Understanding these facts prevents confusion. Always verify details on the settlement website.
Tips for Claimants
To navigate the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person, consider these tips:
- Monitor your email and spam for claim notices.
- Log into bcbssettlement.com regularly for updates.
- Submit disputes with clear evidence if premiums are incorrect.
- Avoid sharing personal details with unverified sources.
These steps protect your payout and reduce risks.
Why the Settlement Matters
The BCBS settlement addresses long-standing antitrust concerns, potentially lowering future premiums. It compensates millions for overpaid premiums from 2008–2020. The payout process, though slow, offers financial relief to eligible claimants.
Understanding the process helps you claim your share confidently.
Summary
The Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person averages $333, based on premiums paid from 2008 to 2020. Eligible claimants, who filed by November 2021, will receive payments after claim reviews, expected in 2025.
Using in-network providers and disputing incorrect premium data can maximize payouts. Check the settlement website and avoid scams to ensure you receive your funds.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the BCBS settlement payout?
Individuals and businesses with BCBS insurance from February 7, 2008, to October 16, 2020, who filed claims by November 5, 2021, are eligible. Self-funded accounts qualify from September 1, 2015, to October 16, 2020. Government employees and dependents are excluded.
How much is the payout per person?
The average Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payout per person is about $333. Amounts vary based on premiums paid, with some receiving up to $695. Payments below $5 are not distributed.
When will payments be sent?
Payments are expected in 2025, after all claims and disputes are reviewed. Claim determination notices are emailed on a rolling basis. Check bcbssettlement.com for updates.
How can I check my claim status?
Log into bcbssettlement.com with your unique ID and PIN from your notice. The site shows your claim status and premium data. Contact JND Legal Administration for issues.
What if I disagree with my premium amount?
Dispute incorrect premium amounts through bcbssettlement.com with proof, like insurance records. Follow instructions in your claim notice. Disputes must be filed promptly.