In 2024, a settlement was reached in a long-running class action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) brought by physicians, hospitals, large health systems and provider organizations. The lawsuit alleged a range of antitrust violations by BCBS, including price fixing and allocating markets using exclusive service areas. 

Under the settlement agreement, Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans have agreed to implement changes that will benefit physicians and other providers by increasing transparency, efficiency and accountability in claims processing, including the process of BlueCard claims. Economists have valued the injunctive relief at more than $17.3 billion.

If you or your business provided health care services, equipment or supplies to Blues Plan enrollees, including Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California or out-of-state Blue Card patients, anytime from July 24, 2008, to October 4, 2024, you may be eligible to submit a claim for your share of the $2.8 billion provider settlement. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Settlement FAQ, there are some providers excluded from the settlement. For example, providers who were licensed to practice before March 12, 2008, and did not opt out of the settlement in Love v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association are ineligible to participate in this settlement. More information on exclusions can be found in the FAQ.

The settlement is the largest antitrust settlement in the history of the U.S. health care sector. The claims period is now open and will run until July 29, 2025.

The California Medical Association (CMA) recently hosted a webinar to help physicians learn how to submit a claim for their share of the settlement proceeds. The webinar is available on-demand on our website and is free for CMA members.