Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement notice

On April 21st, the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) was notified by a member that they had received a postcard in the mail announcing a Blue Cross Blue Shield class action settlement. The card identifies the recipient as a potential class action party to a settlement of nearly $2.7 billion.

All members who were enrolled in a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance plan between 2008 and 2020 should be receiving this post card as required by law. This settlement follows a lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield for violating antitrust laws by entering into non-compete agreements with other companies to restrict competition in selling health insurance.

The postcard that was brought forward by a member on April 21st was the first time the trustees to our Health and Welfare Funds had been made aware of this lawsuit. To be clear, this lawsuit did not factor into the decision for the Carpenters and Joiners Health Fund to enter into a contract with United Healthcare beginning in May. This contract decision far preceded the knowledge of this lawsuit and this mailing to our membership. United Healthcare is becoming the new provider based on the significant savings to the fund while providing the same coverage.

NCSRCC has informed Wilson Mc-Shane, the North Central States Health Fund (Wisconsin), and Eastern Iowa Health Fund of these postcards. The trustees are working with these health funds on sending out a clarifying letter to all eligible members. We will continue to work with our fund administrators on submitting a valid claim on behalf of all employees and their fund offices.