BCBS Class Action Settlement, Check Eligibility and Claim Your $2.67 billion

In 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and its affiliated companies agreed to a historic $2.67 billion class action settlement over allegations of violating antitrust laws by inflating health insurance premiums. The lawsuit accused BCBS of restricting competition and maintaining high premiums for prescription drugs and other health services. While BCBS denied wrongdoing, they have agreed to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. If you or your employer paid for BCBS health insurance between 2008 and 2024, you may be eligible for a refund. Here’s everything you need to know about the settlement, eligibility, and how to file your claim.

What Was the BCBS Lawsuit About?

The class action lawsuit, Russo et al. v. Walgreen Co. (Case No. 1:17-cv-02246), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiffs accused BCBS of misrepresenting its prescription drug prices, leading to inflated reimbursement claims from insurance companies. The central issue was that Walgreens failed to include the discounted prices it offered through its Prescription Savings Club (PSC) when determining its U&C prices.

As a result, insurers and consumers paid more for prescription drugs than they should have. The settlement seeks to compensate those who were affected by these overcharges.

If you or your business have paid for a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance policy over the past two decades, you could be eligible to receive a payout from a significant $2.67 billion class action settlement.

This settlement comes after a lawsuit alleging that BCBS companies, in collaboration with large financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, engaged in anti-competitive practices by manipulating health insurance premiums and restricting competition. Despite BCBS denying any wrongdoing, the company opted to settle the case to avoid further litigation costs. This historic settlement will provide compensation to consumers and businesses who were impacted by these unfair pricing practices.

What Was the BCBS Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and its affiliated companies raised concerns that BCBS violated antitrust laws by engaging in actions that limited competition in the health insurance marketplace. Allegations included:

• Geographic Territory Division: BCBS companies allegedly divided territories to avoid competing with each other.

• Premium Inflation: The companies allegedly used their dominance to keep premiums excessively high for policyholders.

• Violation of Antitrust Regulations: The lawsuit argued that these actions violated federal antitrust laws, particularly the Sherman Act.

These practices allegedly caused consumers and employer groups to pay higher-than-necessary premiums for their health coverage.

Settlement Amount and Distribution

The total $2.67 billion settlement will be distributed as follows:

• Approximately $1.9 billion will go directly to eligible class members.

• The remaining amount will cover attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and legal expenses.

The exact payment each individual or business will receive depends on several factors, including:

• The type of insurance plan held (whether fully insured or self-funded).

• The duration of the coverage.

• The number of valid claims submitted.

Eligibility for the Settlement

To be eligible for a share of the settlement, you must fall into one of the following two categories:

1. Fully Insured Class Members

• Individuals or businesses that purchased a BCBS health insurance policy where BCBS assumed financial risk (typically applies to standard policies purchased by individuals or small businesses).

• Eligibility requirement: Premiums paid between February 7, 2008, and October 2024.

2. Self-Funded Accounts

• Larger companies or organizations that contracted BCBS for administrative services only, with the company covering the healthcare costs for employees.

• Eligibility requirement: Contracted with BCBS between September 1, 2015, and October 16, 2020.

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim is an essential step to receive compensation from the settlement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm if you qualify by visiting the official settlement website.

2. Complete the Claim Form: Submit the online claim form, or if needed, request a paper version from the claims administrator.

3. Provide Necessary Documentation: Ensure that you provide all required proof of insurance premiums, such as policy details, payment records, and any other relevant documents.

4. Submit Your Claim: Follow the instructions carefully and submit your completed claim form by the designated deadline.

Important Deadlines

Make sure to adhere to the following deadlines:

If you wish to opt out of the settlement, you must do so by March 18, 2025. Otherwise, you will automatically receive compensation once the court gives final approval.

How Much Can You Expect to Receive?

The amount you will receive depends on several factors, including how many claims are submitted, the amount of coverage you had, and whether your plan was fully insured or self-funded. While the settlement is $2.67 billion, the individual payout amounts will vary. For example:

• Fully insured class members will generally receive higher payments because they directly paid premiums to BCBS.

• Small businesses may receive more if they paid premiums for multiple employees.

The payment amount could range from a few hundred dollars for individuals with basic coverage, to several thousand dollars for businesses with extensive employee coverage.

Which BCBS Companies Are Included in the Settlement?

This settlement applies to all independent BCBS companies, including but not limited to:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Highmark BCBS

• BCBS of Texas

• Regence Blue Shield

• Empire Blue Cross

• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

The settlement covers over 30 BCBS organizations across the United States.

Is This Settlement Legitimate?

Yes, the Blue Cross Blue Shield class action settlement is legitimate. It has been approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama after years of negotiation. The settlement includes an independent claims administrator to ensure fair distribution of the funds.

Be cautious of scams: Always verify your claims process through the official settlement website and avoid unsolicited emails or calls requesting payment or sensitive personal information.

Why Is This Settlement Important?

This settlement is a landmark case in U.S. healthcare history and sends a clear message about the consequences of anti-competitive behavior in the health insurance market. The BCBS companies’ actions harmed consumers by limiting competition and keeping premiums artificially high.

If you or your business paid for BCBS insurance between 2008 and 2020, you might be entitled to compensation from the $2.67 billion settlement. Even if you no longer have a policy or didn’t file a claim earlier, it’s not too late. Make sure to check your eligibility and submit your claim by the deadline to receive your rightful compensation.

For further details, visit the official settlement website at www.bcbssettlement.com.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the BCBS class action settlement?

To qualify for the BCBS class action settlement, individuals or businesses must have purchased BCBS health insurance or used BCBS administrative services between February 7, 2008, and October 2024. The settlement covers both fully insured members and self-funded accounts.

2. How do I file a claim for the BCBS settlement?

To file a claim, visit the official settlement website at www.bcbssettlement.com and complete the online claim form. Alternatively, you can request a paper form. Ensure you provide required documentation, such as proof of premiums paid and relevant insurance information.

3. When is the deadline to submit a claim?

The claim submission deadline is April 17, 2025. Make sure to submit your claim before this date to be considered for compensation.

4. How much money can I expect to receive from the settlement?

The payout amount varies depending on factors like the type of insurance plan you had, the number of claims submitted, and the coverage duration. Fully insured members will likely receive more than those with self-funded accounts, as they directly paid premiums to BCBS.

5. Are there any exclusions from the settlement?

Consumers who paid out-of-pocket without using insurance, insurance companies or employers with separate agreements, and Walgreens employees or legal representatives involved in the case are not eligible for compensation.