BIRMINGHAM, AL – Today a monumental settlement was announced between healthcare providers and all the Blue Cross and Blue Shield entities in the country. The landmark settlement includes a $2.8 billion cash payment, as well as investments by the Blues of hundreds of millions of dollars in system improvements for the benefit of providers. The settlement is the largest antitrust settlement in the history of the United States healthcare industry.
The settlement aims to resolve claims that the Blues violated antitrust laws by geographically dividing markets and fixing prices. It also introduces important changes to the BlueCard Program, which:
- Improve claim processing
- Enhance provider payment methods
- Reduce administrative burdens and inefficiencies
The settlement also gives healthcare providers :
- More opportunities to contract with the Blues
- Reduced administrative burdens
- Increased efficiency in claims processing and payments
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, along with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, will be held accountable by a Monitoring Committee for five years following final approval by the Court.
Shelby Roden partner Robert Roden serves as a member of the Litigation Committee for Provider Plaintiffs. Partners David Shelby and Don Freeman have been integral in the firm’s leadership efforts on behalf of all Healthcare Providers. Partner Matt Roden played a key role in the discovery phase, reviewing critical documents that helped lead to this landmark settlement.
The Court has set a hearing on November 14, 2024 to review the Motion for Preliminary Approval. A formal notice will be sent to all class members at a later date determined by the Court.
PRESS RELEASE: Monumental Settlement Announced in Provider Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Case – Whatley Kallas