The Providence Journal, R.I., MoneyLine column.

Byline: Neil Downing

Oct. 9--To conclude a lawsuit, some 116,000 Rhode Islanders were due for a rebate from Blue Cross, but many have been confused by the payments.

So there's this huge settlement of two lawsuits involving health insurer Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and thousands of its members. The checks go out -- 116,000 in all -- and what happens?

Well, lots of them get cashed. But some of the recipients shred their checks and throw them away, regarding them as a marketing gimmick or just junk mail.

Others wonder why the check that a coworker, neighbor or friend received was for a higher amount. Still others wonder why they received nothing at all.

What's going on? That, in effect, is the question a woman from Warwick asked MoneyLine:

A couple of weeks ago, a lot of people got their checks from the class-action suit from Blue Cross, the settlement, and I believe I should have gotten one. But I think it might have gotten lost in the mail, and I don't know who to contact to inquire about the check.

_ J.T., Warwick

You may contact Peter N. Wasylyk, a lawyer for plaintiffs in the case, in the following ways:

--Write: Law Offices of Peter N. Wasylyk, 1307 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, RI02908.

--Call him or his assistants at 1-401-831-7730, or toll-free at 1-888-337-5906.

--E-mail him:

PeterWasylyk@cox.net

Ever since checks began going out in late August, Wasylyk said his office has received "thousands of calls" about the settlement. "We've been …