Last October, the Blue Cross Blue Shield national system (including Wellmark of Iowa) reached a class action settlement in a lengthy antitrust lawsuit.  The net settlement fund is estimated to be approximately $1.9 billion and will be distributed to “Damages Class Members” who submit valid and timely claim forms.  Members of the Damages Class, which may include your organization and your employees have now begun to receive their official notifications from the settlement administrator by email and mail.  This will include notification of possible eligibility for a payment as a result of the settlement. 

We are unable to answer specific questions regarding the lawsuit, including who is eligible.  Certain documents indicate that “government accounts” are not eligible; however according to information on the website certain entities such as school districts and utilities may be eligible.  If you or your employees believe you may be a member of the damages class, resources are available through the company managing the class notice process – JND Legal Administration (www.BCBSsettlement.com or (888) 681-1142).

All of your employees that are covered under the Wellmark plan could receive information on this settlement either through USPS or email.  They are provided a link to file a claim as well as a unique ID number needed to file their claim if they wish to do so.  As stated in the information, they need to file their claim by November 5, 2021.  

You can advise employees to use the information shown above and in the settlement, to seek answers to their questions.  However if you would like to email your employees and need a consistent response for all employees, we have provided the sample wording below that you might want to use.

Dear (Employee Name)

If you have received an email or mailing regarding a Blue Cross Blue Shield Class Action Settlement, know that this is a legitimate lawsuit and if you received this email with a Unique ID # you do have a right to file a claim if you so choose.  The BCBS Settlement Website will provide you with more information and this link will take you direct to the FAQ:  https://www.bcbssettlement.com/faq    

IAMU's endorsed employee benefits broker Mark J. Becker and Associates (MJBA) has opened this important webinar on complying with the Families First Cornoavirus Response Act to all IAMU members, not just those that participate in our benefits program through MJBA.  Please join us in participating in this important education event to help understand your obligations under the Families First Act.

Register below for our March 26th webinar covering the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that was recently passed into law.
 
We will cover which employers are subject to the new requirements and provide step-by-step guidance on how to comply. The new law includes two separate mandates regarding Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) and mandated sick leave. Small employers are NOT exempt from these mandates, therefore we encourage attendance of all of our clients and subscribers. Benefit eligibility, should an employer enact a lay-off or furlough, will also be covered in this webinar.
 
We look forward to visiting with you on Thursday, March 26th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
 
REGISTER HERE

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) has always been about supporting and strengthening Iowa’s municipal utilities. That mission includes helping IAMU members provide employees with access to the benefits that they need and deserve at affordable prices for both the employees and the member utilities or municipalities.

There is no shortage of benefit brokers out there that would welcome the opportunity to work with utilities and municipalities. Trying to determine which benefit professional is the best to meet your needs can be daunting. That’s why IAMU has done that work for you. IAMU endorses Mark J. Becker & Associates. IAMU trusts that Mark and his team can provide our members with comprehensive, flexible and affordable coverage with expert consultation and exceptional service.