Miami, FL – After more than a decade of litigation and settlement negotiations, an Alabama federal judge granted final approval of a landmark settlement between Blue Cross Blue Shield and a class of medical providers.
Podhurst Orseck’s Aaron Podhurst was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in 2013 and Peter Prieto served as the Chair of Experts Committee.
“This is one of the largest successful antitrust cases ever and took 13 years. We are proud to have contributed as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Committee,” said Aaron Podhurst, Founding Partner of Podhurst Orseck.
The lead attorneys representing the providers are Edith Kallas and Joe Whatley, Jr. of Whatley Kallas LLP.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to have assisted in accomplishing this precedent-setting settlement in one of the largest antitrust cases ever brought,” said Peter Pietro, Head of Podhurst Orseck’s Commercial Litigation and Class Action practice.
The settlement, valued at $2.8 billion in monetary relief, brings sweeping changes to the way Blue Cross Blue Shield operates nationwide. Healthcare providers across the country – ranging from hospitals and physician groups to clinics and specialists – stand to benefit from both financial recovery and significant reforms.
In addition to settlement money, the provider plaintiffs will receive injunctive relief intended to curb the anticompetitive practices that led to the litigation.
Key Terms of the Settlement
This resolution marks one of the most significant antitrust settlements in U.S. healthcare history. It not only compensates providers for past harm, but also reshapes the future by increasing competition, transparency, and fairness in how insurers interact with healthcare professionals.
