If you’ve ever had Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance between 2008 and 2020, there’s a chance you could be getting a payment. In one of the largest health insurance settlements ever, BCBS agreed to pay $2.67 billion to settle a class-action antitrust lawsuit. But the big question for many people is—am I getting a check?
Whether you’re an individual policyholder, a business owner, or just trying to make sense of the legal process, this article lays it all out clearly: who qualifies, how the payments work, and what to do if you missed the deadline.
Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the BCBS settlement:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $2.67 Billion |
| Eligibility Period | BCBS coverage between 2008 and 2020 |
| Deadline to File a Claim | November 5, 2021 (now closed) |
| Average Payout | Around $333 per approved claim |
| Payout Schedule | Ongoing from 2024 through 2025 |
| Claim Status Website | www.BCBSsettlement.com |
| Claim Administrator Email | [email protected] |
| Additional Benefits | Industry reforms and more insurer competition |
What Was the Lawsuit About?
This lawsuit accused BCBS companies of limiting competition by dividing up territories and agreeing not to compete with one another. These practices allegedly inflated premiums and reduced consumer choice. Instead of dragging the case through court for years, BCBS agreed to settle for $2.67 billion—without admitting wrongdoing.
The final approval came in August 2022. The settlement includes both monetary payments and structural reforms to the BCBS network.
Who Was Eligible?
If you had a BCBS health plan between 2008 and 2020, you might have been eligible. This includes:
- Individuals who bought insurance on their own
- Small and large businesses that provided BCBS coverage to employees
- People in fully insured or self-funded group plans
You didn’t need to still be with BCBS to qualify. But you did need to submit your claim by November 5, 2021. That window is now closed, so no new claims are being accepted.
How Much Are People Receiving?
The average payout is around $333, but the actual amount varies. Here’s what affects it:
- How long you had coverage
- The type of plan (individual, group, or self-funded)
- How much was paid in premiums
Larger employers with long-standing policies are likely receiving bigger payments than individuals with short-term plans. All payments are calculated based on a pro-rata system, which means everyone gets a fair share based on how much they paid into the system.
How Are Payments Sent?
If your claim was approved, your payment could arrive in several different ways:
- Check by mail
- Digital payment (PayPal, Venmo)
- Prepaid debit card
The distribution is being managed by JND Legal Administration, the official settlement administrator. They’re sending updates by email ([email protected]) or by regular mail under the name “Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement.”
It’s a good idea to check your spam folder or mailbox regularly if you’re expecting a payment.
Missed the Deadline?
If you didn’t file your claim by November 5, 2021, you’re not getting a check. But that doesn’t mean you’re left out completely.
The settlement includes non-monetary reforms that benefit everyone with BCBS insurance going forward:
- BCBS companies can no longer divide up geographic markets as before
- Employers have more options when choosing plans
- More transparency is required in the network and pricing
These changes are designed to make the health insurance system more competitive and consumer-friendly.
How to Check Your Claim Status
If you filed a claim and want to check the status:
- Go to www.BCBSsettlement.com
- Log in using your claim ID (found in your confirmation email or letter)
- Verify your selected payment method
- Watch your inbox or mailbox for updates
Make sure your PayPal or Venmo account is still active if you chose a digital option.
Why This Settlement Matters
Even if you didn’t get a check, this case is a major turning point. It shows that big companies can be held accountable for anti-competitive behavior—and that consumers can come together to push for fairer systems.
The settlement also sets the stage for future legal action in industries where monopolies or unfair practices are suspected. It encourages transparency and forces insurers to play fair—something that could benefit all of us in the long run.
FAQs
How much is the average payout?
About $333 per approved claim, though it varies by case.
Can I still file a claim?
No, the deadline to file was November 5, 2021.
When will I receive my payment?
Payments are being distributed throughout 2024 and 2025.
What if I had BCBS through work?
You were still eligible if you were the named policyholder.
Where can I check my claim status?
Visit www.BCBSsettlement.com and enter your claim ID.
