Blue Cross Blue Shield provider settlement: What medical professionals need to know
A $2.8 billion settlement has been reached in the Blue Cross Blue Shield antitrust litigation that could benefit physicians and APPs who provided services to Blue Cross Blue Shield members between July 24, 2008 and Oct. 4, 2024.
What’s the settlement about?
The settlement resolves a class action lawsuit alleging that Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Settling Individual Blue Plans violated antitrust laws by illegally dividing the U.S. into “service areas” and agreeing not to compete in those areas. The lawsuit also claimed the defendants fixed prices for services provided. The Court has not decided who is right or wrong; instead, both sides agreed to a settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
Who’s eligible?
Physicians and APPs who currently provide or provided services, equipment or supplies to any patient insured by a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan during the settlement period (July 24, 2008 to Oct. 4, 2024) may be eligible. However, you are not eligible if you:
- Are owned or employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Are owned or employed exclusively by government entities or exclusively serve Medicare/Medicaid/Federal Employee Health Benefits Program patients
- Were part of the previous Love v. Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement class and were licensed before March 12, 2008
- Exclusively provide prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, medical devices, laboratory services or standalone dental/vision services
How much could you receive?
Payment amounts will be based on the total allowed amounts received from Blue Cross Blue Shield plans during the settlement period. The settlement uses a point system:
- ≤ $250,000 in allowed amounts: one point
- $2500,001-$500,000: two points
- $500,001-750,000: three points
- $750,001-$1,000,000: four points
- $1,000,000: five points
These points will be multiplied by a geographic coefficient based on your location to determine final payment amounts.
How to submit a claim
Physicians and APPs should submit a “Professional Claim” either online (recommended) or by mail. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by July 29, 2025. The process has been simplified; you only need to certify your range of allowed amounts without additional documentation.
Submit your claim at www.BCBSProviderSettlement.com.
Important dates
- Deadline to exclude yourself: March 4, 2025
- Deadline to object: March 4, 2025
- Final approval hearing: 9:30 a.m. (Central Time) on July 29, 2025
- Claim submission deadline: July 29, 2025
Resources and important documents
For detailed information, you can access these key documents and more at www.BCBSProviderSettlement.com:
You can also visit www.WhatleyKallas.com/BCBS-Settlement for additional information and documents related to the settlement.
Questions or need help?
- Contact the Settlement Administrator (Brown Greer):
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 888-452-3095
- Contact Co-Lead Class Counsel (Whatley Kallas, LLP):
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 800-745-8153
Note: This article provides general information about the settlement. Physicians and APPs should review the full settlement notice and consult with their legal advisors regarding their individual circumstances.