Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement information
The following documents will help you understand your rights under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Agreement
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Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement fund finally set to pay out more than $131 million
The Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) settlement checks were distributed July 22, 2009 to physicians who submitted valid proof of claims. The BCBS settlement resulted in a payout to physicians of roughly $131 million. If you properly filed a claim and either have not received a settlement check by the end of August or do not receive a check in the amount expected, contact the claims administrator at:
Epiq Systems
Class Action & Claims Solutions
10300 SW Allen Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005
(877) 893-2643
jpenning@epiqsystems.com
Alert: Disbursements for the BCBS Parties settlement that involves the majority of Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, Love, et al v. BCBSA, et al, have not yet been mailed because the appeal of Chief Judge Moreno's final order approving the settlement is still pending. We will update this website accordingly when the appeal is concluded.
To verify which BCBS plans have settled visit the AMAâs online interactive Blue Cross and Blue Shield settlement map that lists which BCBS plans and subsidiaries that have settled as well as the state-specific provisions of the settlement.
How the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Agreement helps the physician practice (PDF) contains a summary of the key business practices mandated in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement. Since contracts provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield to physicians in its provider network must conform to the Settlement, physicians are encouraged to review their contracts to ensure they are receiving available protections.
Pertinent information
Date settlement reached by parties: April 27, 2007
Preliminary approval date: May 31, 2007
Final approval date: TBD
Value of settlements: In excess of $131 million
Retrospective relief: In excess of $131 million
Prospective relief: TBD
Compliance Dispute Facilitator (CDF)
Physicians may consider filing a âcompliance disputeâ if the health insurer fails to adhere to the terms of the settlement. After the dispute is deemed valid by the CDF, the CDF will act as the physicianâs representative unless the physician or Signatory Medical Society, acting on the physicianâs behalf, elects to employ separate counsel.
As an additional signatory to the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement, the American Medical Association (AMA) is available to provide direct assistance to AMA physician members who wish to file a compliance dispute.
Use the following form to fill out a compliance dispute.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Compliance Dispute Form
AMA member physicians interested in AMA assistance in filing a compliance dispute may contact the AMA Practice Management Center at:
American Medical Association
Practice Management Center
515 N. State Street, 13th Floor
Chicago, IL 60654
ATTN: BCBS Compliance Dispute
Phone: (800) 621-8335 and ask for the Practice Management Center
Fax: (312) 464-5541
E-mail: practicemanagementcenter@ama-assn.org
Physicians wishing to contact the CDF directly may contact:
Deborah Winegard
Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.
195 Church Street, 13th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: (404) 607-8222
E-mail: dwinegard@gmail.com
Billing Disputes
The billing dispute external review board (BDERB) is available to resolve billing disputes between Blue Cross Blue Shield and physicians concerning the application of Blue Cross Blue Shieldâs coding and payment rules and methodologies. Below are documents to help you with the dispute procedures.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Billing Dispute Form
How to complete the Blue Cross Blue Shield Billing Dispute form
Blue Cross Blue Shield Billing Dispute form online
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BCBS settlement summary (PDF)
AMA committed to enforcement of BCBS settlement
AMA press release
Blue Cross and Blue Shield settlement map
Please see the HMO Settlements Web site for more information regarding the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Alerts.
