$3M Regence BlueShield Settlement Resolves Class Action Over Alleged ACA Violations, Hearing Disability Discrimination

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

Regence BlueShield has agreed to a $3,000,000 settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging the insurance company categorically denied claims or provided limited coverage for routine diagnostic exams, programs, and treatments for hearing loss in violation of the Affordable Care Act.

Want to stay in the loop on class action lawsuits that matter to you? Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter.

The Regence BlueShield class action settlement received preliminary approval from the court on October 22, 2025 and covers all individuals insured under a Washington health insurance plan from Regence BlueShield and/or Cambia Health Solutions at any time between October 30, 2014 and December 31, 2025 that provided insufficient coverage for hearing aids and related services, and who then had paid out-of-pocket to obtain these medically necessary services.

Importantly, the agreement notes that individuals enrolled in large group plans between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 are not covered by the settlement.

The court-approved website for the Regence BlueShield hearing aids settlement can be found at WAHearingAidSettlement.com.

According to the settlement website, Regence BlueShield settlement class members who submit a timely, valid claim form are eligible to receive reimbursement for medically necessary hearing aids and associated services that Regence BlueShield did not cover between October 30, 2014 and December 31, 2025.

Class members seeking reimbursement must submit with their claim form information and proof regarding the date of the hearing aid purchase or service, the name, address, and phone number of the provider who prescribed or provided the hearing aid or associated service, a short description of the hearing aid or associated service, and the amount paid or debt owed, the agreement outlines.

Importantly, the settlement site relays that class members who previously submitted insurance claims for hearing aids or related services that were denied by to Regence BlueShield do not need to resubmit this documentation with their claim form.

Settlement class members with valid, approved claims for reimbursement will receive a one time, pro-rated cash payment of what remains in the net settlement fund after all attorneys’ fees, lead plaintiff service awards, taxes, and settlement administration costs are paid

To submit a claim form online, Regence BlueShield settlement class members can visit this page and enter their unique class member ID and PIN as found on their copy of the settlement notice. Alternatively, class members can use the same information to download and print a PDF of the claim form, complete it, and return it by mail to the address of the  settlement administrator. 

All Regence BlueShield settlement claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by February 3, 2026.

The court will decide whether to grant final approval of the settlement at a hearing on March 20, 2026. Compensation will be distributed to class members only after final approval is given and any appeals are resolved.

The Regence BlueShield class action lawsuit alleged that the insurance provider regularly  limited or excluded all coverage for routine exams, programs, and medical treatment related to hearing loss. The plaintiffs claimed that the exclusion violated the Affordable Care Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination by declining coverage for necessary medical care for individuals with hearing disabilities.  

Want to learn how to start a class action lawsuit? We’ve got you covered.