US Attorneys In Blue Cross Antitrust Case Want Fast-Track Appeal

Plaintiffs’ attorneys in a multibillion class action settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association asked a US appeals court on Wednesday to fast-track the resolution of objections to the deal.

In a court filing, the class attorneys, who have been awarded $667 million in fees representing health insurance subscribers who settled with Blue Cross Blue Shield and 36 member health plans argued to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that it should expedite its review to eliminate “harm resulting from delayed implementation of the settlement.” Class attorneys have been awarded $667 million in fees in the case.

Four appeals were filed this month on behalf of six objectors after an Alabama federal judge granted final approval to the $2.67 billion antitrust settlement in August. The trial court’s ruling ended nine years of litigation that involved more than 100 law firms, court records show.

Plaintiffs alleged Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and members unlawfully agreed to curb competition with each other in the health insurance market.

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