As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the exact timing of the mailing of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) settlement checks remained unclear. It’s essential to note that this information is dynamic, and for the most current and accurate information, claimants should check the BCBS official settlement website or directly contact the administrators of the settlement.

Background of the BCBS Settlement

The settlement relates to a class-action lawsuit that alleged Blue Cross Blue Shield violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not to compete with each other and limiting competition among themselves in selling health insurance and administrative services for employer-sponsored plans. This was considered to limit the choices available to consumers and potentially inflate prices.

Under the terms of the settlement, which was tentatively agreed to in 2020, BCBS agreed to pay $2.67 billion to eligible members. However, the proposed settlement needed to be approved by the court, which can be a lengthy process.

The Settlement Process

Once a settlement is reached in a class-action lawsuit, it doesn’t mean checks will be mailed out immediately. There are several steps that must occur first:

1. Preliminary approval: After a settlement is proposed, the court will grant preliminary approval if it believes the settlement is fair and adequate. At this point, the court will also approve a plan for notifying eligible members of the settlement.
2. Notification: Eligible members are then notified of the settlement and given information about how and when to file a claim.
3. Claims period: There is typically a claims period where eligible members can submit their claims. This period can last several months.
4. Final approval: After the claims period ends, the court will hold a fairness hearing to decide whether to grant final approval to the settlement. If there are objections or appeals to the settlement, this process can be delayed.
5. Payment: If the settlement receives final approval, the settlement administrator will then start processing claims and distributing payments. This can also take several months.

Where Do Things Stand in 2022?

As of my last update in September 2021, the BCBS settlement was still awaiting final court approval. This means it was still uncertain when checks would be mailed to eligible members. The exact timeline depends on how long the court takes to approve the settlement and how long it takes the settlement administrator to process claims and distribute payments.

The mailing of the checks can also be affected by the number of claims that need to be processed, the complexity of the calculation needed to determine each claimant’s share, and any unexpected administrative issues or delays.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the BCBS settlement and when checks will be mailed, claimants should check the official settlement website or contact the settlement administrator.

Remember that every class-action settlement is different and the timelines can vary widely. Legal processes often take longer than expected, so it’s important to be patient and wait for official information.

Donny white