South Carolina BCBS Antitrust Settlement
BCBSSC's near-monopoly position — ~65% of the commercial market — means South Carolinians may see above-average payouts from the $2.67B antitrust settlement.
Tier 1 (Individual)
$650–$1,200
Tier 2 (Employee)
$180–$480
Tier 3 (Employer)
$7,000–$55,000
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) — the state's largest and most dominant commercial health insurer — was a defendant in the $2.67 billion BCBS antitrust class action settlement. BCBSSC controls roughly 65% of the commercial market and was historically the dominant ACA marketplace carrier in most South Carolina counties.
If you held a fully insured BCBSSC plan between February 7, 2008 and October 16, 2020, or a self-funded plan between September 1, 2015 and October 16, 2020, you may be eligible for a pro-rata payment from the settlement fund. Distributions began May 11, 2026.
Why SC Claimants May See Above-Average Payouts
BCBSSC's near-monopoly position — controlling roughly 65% of the commercial market — means a disproportionately large share of South Carolinians paid premiums exclusively to a BCBS plan during the class period. The settlement's pro-rata formula rewards long-term enrollees with high premium payments.
South Carolinians with continuous BCBSSC coverage for 5–12+ years, especially family plans, are positioned in the upper payment tiers. Tier-1 individuals with 10+ years typically receive $700–$1,000; long-tenure claimants reach $1,200.
About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Founded in 1946, BCBSSC is an independent, SC-owned and operated nonprofit insurer — not affiliated with any other BCBS parent company. It is the only BCBS licensee headquartered in South Carolina.
Beyond state coverage, BCBSSC serves as the national administrator of the Federal Employee Program (FEP), processing claims for federal employees and retirees across all 50 states. Note: while BCBSSC administers FEP nationally, FEP enrollees are excluded from this subscriber settlement fund.
How SC Claimants Are Notified
Settlement notices were published in South Carolina's major newspapers: The State (Columbia), the Post and Courier (Charleston), and the Greenville News. The settlement administrator JND Legal Administration mailed direct notices to known class members.
Online claim filing was available at BCBSsettlement.com through the November 5, 2021 deadline. Payments are issued by check or EFT — SC claimants should update their mailing address with JND if they have moved.
South Carolina-Specific Exclusions
- PEBA State Health Plan — The South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority administers health coverage for SC state employees, teachers, and retirees. Because PEBA is a government account, it is entirely excluded from the subscriber settlement fund.
- FEP coverage — Although BCBSSC is the national FEP administrator, all Federal Employee Program enrollees are excluded from the $2.67B fund regardless of state.
- South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections) — government program, excluded.
- Medicare Advantage plans through BCBSSC — excluded. Medicare Supplement may qualify.
- Self-funded employer plans before September 2015 — eligible only for the separate $120M self-funded pool from September 2015 onward.
South Carolina BCBS Settlement — Frequently Asked Questions
I had BCBSSC through my employer — am I eligible?
It depends on your plan type. If your employer fully insured your health plan through BCBSSC (the employer paid premiums to BCBSSC), you are likely eligible for the fully insured fund. If your employer self-funded and BCBSSC only administered claims, you may be eligible for the self-funded fund (class period: Sep 1, 2015 – Oct 16, 2020). Government-employer plans are excluded.
Is the PEBA State Health Plan excluded?
<strong>Yes.</strong> The South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) State Health Plan covers SC state employees, teachers, and public school staff. Because PEBA is a government entity, all PEBA plan enrollees are excluded from the settlement. This is one of the most significant exclusions for South Carolina residents given how many SC workers are state or school district employees.
BCBSSC runs the Federal Employee Program — does that make FEP enrollees eligible?
<strong>No.</strong> BCBSSC administers the FEP nationally, but FEP enrollees are explicitly excluded from the subscriber settlement fund. The fact that BCBSSC is the FEP administrator does not create eligibility. FEP coverage was negotiated separately and falls outside the antitrust class.
What are the estimated payout amounts for SC residents?
Payouts are pro-rata based on premiums paid. SC's high market share (~65%) drives above-average payouts. Tier-1 (individuals, 10+ years coverage): $700–$1,000. Tier-2 (employee contributions): $180–$480. Tier-3 (employer groups, fully-insured): $7,000–$55,000+. Claims under $5 receive no payment.
When will South Carolina claimants receive payment?
The settlement fund began distributions on May 11, 2026. SC claimants who filed valid claims by the deadline should receive payment by check or electronic transfer. Processing timelines vary; claimants can check status at BCBSsettlement.com or contact JND Legal Administration.
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