The lawsuit was filed in a North Carolina federal court in January 2023 over robocalls made between October 2020 and June 2021. The calls were aimed at promoting health plan services but allegedly disregarded the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which requires prior consent from message recipients. The plaintiffs claimed the calls were intrusive and in violation of federal law, while BCBS and Change said the calls were intended to provide information about health plan services.
According to a settlement agreement filed Jan. 2, the defendants have agreed to pay $1.67 million to resolve the claims without admitting any wrongdoing. Approximately 1,401 identified individuals are expected to receive more than $1,190 each under the agreement. The settlement includes an estimated 3,000 total class members, with payments averaging more than $550 per person if all eligible claimants are located.
The settlement also includes provisions to prevent future TCPA violations. BCBS and Change have agreed to implement enhanced compliance measures, including more strict consent protocols for automated communications.
The settlement agreement will have to receive final approval from the judge.
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