If you or your business paid for a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance policy between 2008 and 2024, you may be owed money. In 2025, BCBS agreed to a historic $2.67 billion class action settlement to resolve claims that it unfairly inflated health insurance premiums by limiting competition.
Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies, how much you could get, and what you need to do to claim your share.
BCBS Sued
The class action lawsuit, Russo et al. v. Walgreen Co., accused Blue Cross Blue Shield and affiliated insurers of violating federal antitrust laws by:
- Dividing territories to avoid competing with each other
- Using their market dominance to inflate premiums
- Misrepresenting drug prices through a deal with Walgreens
The lawsuit claimed that these practices resulted in consumers and businesses paying more for health coverage and prescription drugs than they should have. While BCBS denied the allegations, they agreed to a settlement to avoid further litigation.
Billion Settlement Covers
Here’s how the money will be divided:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eligible Claimants | $1.9 billion |
| Attorneys’ Fees, Legal Costs, Admin | $770 million (approx.) |
How much you receive depends on:
- The type of policy you had (fully insured or self-funded)
- The years you were covered
- The total number of valid claims submitted
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for compensation if you meet one of these two categories:
Fully Insured Class Members
These are individuals or small businesses that bought a BCBS policy and paid monthly premiums directly.
Coverage window: February 7, 2008 – October 2024
Self-Funded Class Members
These are larger companies or groups that used BCBS to manage their health plans but paid for the healthcare costs themselves.
Coverage window: September 1, 2015 – October 16, 2020
How to File a Claim
Follow these steps to ensure you don’t miss out:
Check Eligibility
Visit the official site www.bcbssettlement.com to confirm whether you qualify.
Complete a Claim Form
You can file online or request a paper form. Be prepared to provide:
- Proof of payment or coverage
- Insurance policy details (dates, provider, coverage type)
Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your claim form by April 17, 2025, or you will lose your right to compensation.
Important Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exclusion/Objection Deadline | March 18, 2025 |
| Claim Submission Deadline | April 17, 2025 |
| Final Settlement Hearing | September 10, 2025 |
You must opt out by March 18, 2025, if you don’t want to be part of the settlement.
Amount
Your payout will depend on the type and length of your policy:
- Individuals with standard coverage could receive a few hundred dollars
- Small businesses that paid multiple premiums may receive thousands
- Fully insured policies generally lead to higher compensation than self-funded plans
The more years you had BCBS coverage, the more you’re likely to get.
BCBS Companies
Over 30 independent BCBS companies are part of the settlement, including:
- BCBS of Alabama
- Anthem BCBS
- Highmark BCBS
- BCBS of Texas
- Regence Blue Shield
- Empire Blue Cross
- CareFirst BCBS
You are likely eligible if you had a policy with one of these.
Is the Settlement Real?
Yes. The $2.67 billion BCBS antitrust settlement is legitimate and has been approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. A neutral claims administrator will distribute the funds.
Be cautious of scams: Avoid any email, text, or phone call asking for money or personal information to “help” you file. Use only the official site.
Why This Case Matters
This settlement marks one of the largest health insurance class action payouts in U.S. history. It sends a strong message about corporate accountability and the importance of fair competition in healthcare.
BCBS allegedly stifled market competition, and as a result, consumers and employers paid higher premiums. This payout helps level the playing field by returning a portion of those overpayments to policyholders.
If you had BCBS insurance between 2008 and 2024, don’t miss the opportunity to claim your refund.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the BCBS settlement?
Anyone who paid for BCBS insurance between 2008 and 2024, depending on policy type.
How much money can I get from the settlement?
Payments vary but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
What’s the deadline to file a claim?
You must submit your claim by April 17, 2025.
Where do I file a claim?
Visit the official website at www.bcbssettlement.com.
Is the BCBS settlement legitimate?
Yes. It has been approved by the U.S. District Court and overseen by a claims administrator.
