Mercy Health $3.5M Settlement: Are You Eligible for a Payment?

If you've received medical services at a Mercy Health facility in Ohio and were billed beyond your insurance coverage for copays and deductibles, you may be entitled to compensation from a class action settlement. This article will guide you through who benefits from the settlement, the potential compensation, and the critical steps you need to take to claim your rightful award.

Who Benefits?: Patients who were billed by Mercy Health after presenting evidence of health insurance for amounts other than copays and deductibles.

How much can I get?: Eligible claimants can receive up to $25.00 or a reimbursement of up to 50% of the amount paid to Mercy Health, depending on individual circumstances.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: Scheduled for February 8, 2024, this is when the court will decide whether to approve the settlement.
• Deadline to File a Claim: January 22, 2024, is the last day to submit your claim for a settlement award.

Who Are the Settlement Class Members?

This class action lawsuit includes any health-insured individual who, between August 27, 2009, and August 31, 2023, received treatment at a Mercy Health facility in Ohio, provided proof of health insurance, and was then billed for amounts beyond copays and deductibles.

• Those who were contacted by Mercy Health or Avectus but did not make a payment.
• Those identified through Mercy Health's records as having potentially made a payment.

If you have previously settled claims against Avectus and Mercy Health, or if you are an employee, officer, or director of these entities, you are not eligible for the settlement.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement establishes a $3.5 million fund to compensate eligible class members.

• Base Settlement Payment: You may be entitled to a payment of up to $25.00, even if you did not make a payment to Mercy Health.
• Medical Bill Payment: If you made payments to Mercy Health for covered services, you could receive a cash payment equal to 50% of the amount paid.

The Services at the Heart of the Settlement

The lawsuit addresses billing practices for medical services provided at Mercy Health facilities in Ohio. It concerns the legality of billing insured patients for amounts beyond agreed-upon copays and deductibles.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, claimants must affirm under penalty of perjury that they meet the eligibility criteria, including being a patient at a Mercy Health facility during the specified period, having health insurance accepted by Mercy Health, and being billed for amounts other than copays and deductibles.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must complete and submit a Claim Form by the January 22, 2024 deadline. The form must be submitted online or postmarked by the deadline and received by the Settlement Administrator by February 5, 2024.

Analyzing the Settlement Fund

The $3.5 million fund covers payments to class members, attorneys' fees, service awards, and administrative costs. If the total claims exceed the fund's capacity, payments may be reduced proportionally.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The settlement results from allegations that Mercy Health and Avectus violated Ohio law by billing insured patients for amounts beyond copays and deductibles. The settlement aims to compensate affected individuals and avoid the uncertainties of litigation.

The next steps include the Fairness Hearing on February 8, 2024, where the court will decide on the settlement's approval. If approved, eligible class members who have submitted valid claims can expect to receive their settlement payments within 90 days after final approval and resolution of any appeals.