Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Checks Begin Mailing to Eligible Customers

A $2.67 billion antitrust settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is entering its payout phase. The class‑action lawsuit, filed in 2013 against more than 35 BCBS plans, alleged the insurer limited competition, raising premiums and reducing choices for policyholders. While BCBS denied wrongdoing, the parties agreed to a settlement to avoid further litigation.

After legal and administrative fees reduced the fund to roughly $1.9 billion, about six million claimants who filed by the November 5, 2021 deadline will receive checks in May. Eligible recipients are expected to receive payments of $300 to $333 per valid claim.

The settlement also includes operational changes by BCBS, though the company maintains its denial of the antitrust allegations.