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Blue Cross Blue Shield Wins Final Approval for $2.8 Billion Antitrust Settlement

By  |  August 20, 2025

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) secured final approval of a $2.8 billion class action settlement, ending long-running antitrust claims from health-care providers who alleged the insurer withheld fair reimbursements, according to Bloomberg.

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    The ruling was issued by Judge R. David Proctor of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, who described the agreement as delivering “historic, transformative, procompetitive injunctive and equitable relief that will greatly benefit the Settlement Class Members.” The order also granted $657.2 million in attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs’ legal teams.

    Per Bloomberg, the case is among the largest health-care antitrust settlements in U.S. history. The dispute dates back more than ten years, when doctors, hospitals, and other providers claimed BCBS and its affiliates divided the health insurance market geographically to minimize competition. Dozens of lawsuits were consolidated in federal court in Alabama as part of the litigation.

    Related: Health System Accuses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Collusion in Federal Lawsuit

    Beyond financial compensation, BCBS will make operational changes as part of the settlement. The insurer agreed to enhance its technical systems to give providers better access to claims data, create a monitoring committee to ensure compliance and address complaints, and adjust certain business practices, Bloomberg reported.

    The settlement does not apply to health-care providers who opted out of the class action and chose to pursue separate cases.

    BCBS was represented in the matter by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, while plaintiffs were represented by firms including Whatley Kallas LLP and Simons & Associates Law PA.

    Source: Bloomberg