Nearly six years later, checks from a $2.67 billion settlement fund related to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance will be distributed to affected subscribers in 2026.
In October 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield reached a $2.67 billion settlement in an antitrust class action lawsuit; a judge gave his final approval of the settlement in August 2025.
The settlement stemmed from a class action antitrust lawsuit filed in Alabama under the title “Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation MDL 2406, N.D. Ala. Master File No. 2:13-cv-20000-RDP.”
This settlement, resulting from an antitrust class action lawsuit, was reached on behalf of individuals and businesses that purchased or received health insurance provided or administered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. The Group Representatives (“Plaintiffs”) entered into a Settlement Agreement on October 16, 2020, with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) and Blue Individual Plans in Settlement. BCBSA and Blue Individual Plans in Settlement are referred to as “Settlement Defendants.”
The Plaintiffs allege that the Settlement Defendants violated antitrust laws by agreeing not to compete with each other and to limit competition between them in the sale of health insurance and health insurance administration services. The Settlement Defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing and assert that their conduct results in lower health care costs and greater access to care for their customers. The Court has not yet determined who is right or wrong. Instead, the Plaintiffs and the Settlement Defendants have agreed to a settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
The Settlement Agreement will establish a Settlement Fund of $2.67 billion. The Defendants who sign the Settlement will also agree to implement changes in their operations that, according to the Plaintiffs, will increase opportunities for competition in the health insurance market.
There are two classes of settlements, including a Damages Class and an Injunctive Class. Those who could receive payments include individuals who received coverage under any Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance or administrative services plan between February 2008 and October 2020.
Click here for more information about the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, approximately $1.9 billion will be allocated to reimbursements for subscribers who filed claims. The remaining $700 million will go to the attorneys for the case.
To receive payment, you must have filed a claim before November 5, 2021.
