Almost 50% of insured Americans receive surprising medical bills: Study
More than 50% of Americans with insurance say they have received an unexpected medical bill. Here’s what you can do about it:
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Blue Cross Blue Shield will soon begin paying out a settlement resulting from a $2.67 billion class action lawsuit alleging the health insurance giant violated antitrust laws.
The case began in 2013, when a class action lawsuit was filed against more than 35 Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans. The lawsuit alleges that the company violated antitrust laws by restricting market competition, resulting in higher insurance premiums and fewer choices for customers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield has repeatedly denied these claims, and the lawsuit was settled, although the court did not reach a final verdict. Blue Cross Blue Shield did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by USA TODAY in February.
Here’s what you need to know about settlement funds, including who is eligible, how much to expect to pay, and when payments will be made.
Who is eligible for Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payments?
Customers eligible to receive Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payments have until November 5, 2021 to submit their claims. If a customer is eligible but does not submit by the deadline, the customer will not receive payment.
The settlement includes two classes: individuals and insured groups and self-funded accounts. Individuals and insured groups that were customers from February 7, 2008 to October 16, 2020 may have been eligible for payments, and self-funded accounts that were customers from September 1, 2015 to October 16, 2020 may have been eligible for payments.
How much is the settlement amount?
With approximately 6 million claims filed by the November 2021 deadline, payments are expected to be approximately $333 per claim.
According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement website, Blue Cross Blue Shield has agreed to create a $2.67 billion settlement fund, but only $1.9 billion remains to be paid after legal fees, administrative fees and other costs.
When will the payment be issued?
The first payments are expected to begin in May 2026, according to the payments website. Billing notifications should have already been emailed to customers.
What is the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association?
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of health insurance companies in the United States. Both companies offer plans for individuals, families, and businesses.
Contributors: Presley Beau Tyler of the Shreveport Times and David Bruce of the Erie Times-News
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Follow her on X and on Instagram @gretalcross. Idea for a story? Email gcross@usatoday.com.
Gabe Hauari is USA TODAY’s national trends news reporter. You can follow him at X @gabehauari Or email Gdhauari@gannett.com.
