People in Washington who paid out of pocket for hearing aids or related services may be eligible for money back through a $3 million class action settlement involving Regence BlueShield.
This settlement covers unreimbursed hearing aid expenses dating back more than a decade, and claims are now open.
Here’s a clear breakdown of why the lawsuit exists, who qualifies, how much may be available, and what to do next.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
Two individuals who needed hearing aids filed a class action lawsuit against Regence BlueShield and Cambia Health Solutions, Inc.
The lawsuit alleged that Regence:
Excluded or limited coverage for hearing aids and related services
Did so in certain Washington health insurance plans
Violated the law by denying coverage for medically necessary hearing care
Regence denied the allegations, but agreed to a settlement to resolve the case and avoid further litigation.
As part of the agreement, Regence will pay $3,000,000 into a settlement fund to reimburse eligible class members for uncovered hearing aid and associated service costs.
Who Qualifies?
You may be included in the settlement class if both of the following apply:
You (or a covered family member) were insured under a Washington health insurance plan issued, delivered, or renewed by Regence BlueShield and/or Cambia Health Solutions
The plan excluded or limited coverage for hearing aids and associated services
And:
You incurred unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for medically necessary hearing aids or related services
Expenses were incurred between October 30, 2014 and December 31, 2025
Important exclusions
People enrolled in large group plans from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 are excluded, even if those plans limited hearing aid coverage
Receiving a notice does not automatically mean you qualify — eligibility depends on meeting the criteria above.
How Much Can You Get?
Total settlement fund: $3,000,000
Payments will be made on a pro rata basis
Your payment depends on:
Your unreimbursed expenses
The number of valid claims submitted
Settlement costs deducted from the fund
Before payments are issued, the fund will be reduced by:
Attorneys’ fees (up to $1,050,000)
Litigation and administration costs
Case contribution awards (up to $15,000 each for two named plaintiffs)
Any remaining funds after all valid claims are paid may be donated to organizations supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing in Washington.
Your Options
| Your Option | What It Means | Key Date |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim | Ask for reimbursement for eligible hearing aid and related service expenses | February 3, 2026 |
| Exclude Yourself | Keep your right to sue Regence separately, but give up settlement benefits | March 6, 2026 |
| Object to the Settlement | Tell the court you disagree with the settlement terms | March 6, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | No payment and no separate legal claim | — |
| Attend the Fairness Hearing | Ask the court to approve or reject the settlement | March 20, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. PT |
How to File a Claim?
Eligible class members must submit a claim form to receive payment.
Ways to file:
Complete the online claim form
Download, print, and mail the PDF claim form
Mailing address:
E.S. v. Regence BlueShield Settlement Claims Administrator
PO Box 2287
Portland, OR 97208-2287
Information you’ll need:
Date(s) of purchase or service (month/year)
Provider name, address, and phone number
Description of the hearing aid or service
Amount paid or owed
Whether you previously submitted the expense to Regence
Required documentation (copies only):
Receipts
Itemized statements
Credit card statements
Canceled checks
Treatment summaries
Do not send original documents.
Need Help or More Information?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-877-706-9538 (toll-free)
TTY: 1-877-721-6680
