Blue Shield of Virginia v. McCready

457 U.S. 465 (1982)

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Blue Shield of Virginia v. McCready

United States Supreme Court
457 U.S. 465 (1982)

Facts

Carol McCready (plaintiff) received health insurance under a prepaid group health plan from Blue Shield of Virginia (Blue Shield) (defendant). Under the insurance plan, Blue Shield provided reimbursement for psychotherapy treatments from psychiatrists, but not for psychologists, unless the service was billed through a physician. McCready was treated by a psychologist, and her claims for reimbursement were denied by Blue Shield. In 1978, McCready brought a class-action suit against Blue Shield for failure to reimburse insurance subscribers who had visited psychologists. McCready’s suit alleged that Blue Shield conspired to prevent psychologists from receiving compensation in violation of the Sherman Act and sought treble damages under § 4 of the Clayton Act for related injuries. The court of appeals found for McCready. Blue Shield appealed the decision, arguing that McCready lacked standing to bring a claim for damages under § 4.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Brennan, J.)

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