Prairie State Wire

After 12 years of legal proceedings, a settlement has been reached involving Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plans. The agreement, amounting to $2.8 billion, results from a class-action lawsuit initially filed in 2013. The lawsuit, known as "In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation," alleged that BCBS engaged in anti-competitive practices by dividing the United States into exclusive "Service Areas" and agreeing not to compete across regions.

The lawsuit claimed these actions reduced reimbursement rates and limited market competition by fixing prices for healthcare services. As part of the settlement, a fund has been established to compensate affected providers, including physicians and group practices who billed for services to patients insured between July 24, 2008, and October 4, 2024.

Eligible parties must submit a claim to recover compensation for suppressed reimbursement rates. The deadline for submitting claims is July 29, 2025. Online submissions are encouraged; however, paper claims can be sent to:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Settlement

Settlement Notice Administrator

P.O. Box 26443

Richmond, VA 23261

For details on payment calculations or eligibility verification assistance, contact the Settlement Notice Administrator via email or at 888-452-3095. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.