Bruce F. Botsford v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Inc. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

OPINION

T.G. NELSON, Circuit Judge:

Defendants, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Inc. (“Blue Cross”) appeal the district court’s dismissal of Bruce F. Bots-ford’s suit against them for lack of jurisdiction. Because we conclude that the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act 1 (FEHBA) completely preempts Botsford’s claim against Blue Cross, and that his claim thus arose under federal law, we reverse and remand.

I. BACKGROUND

After undergoing a $3,036.00 medical procedure and submitting the requisite paperwork to his FEHBA-covered health plan, Botsford received a reimbursement check for only…