A class action settlement has been established for people who received multiple unwanted marketing text messages from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. Despite replying with a “STOP” or similar opt-out message, many consumers continued to get texts promoting services or other content. These actions led plaintiffs to allege violations of federal and Florida state laws that protect consumers from unsolicited telemarketing texts. Under the settlement, eligible individuals may receive compensation for each qualifying text message if they file a valid claim.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., commonly known as Kaiser Permanente, agreed to make up to $10.5 million available from the settlement fund to pay eligible claimants and cover administrative costs, notice costs, attorneys’ fees, and expenses. Individuals who submit valid claims can receive up to $75 for each qualifying text message they received after opting out.
To benefit from this settlement, affected individuals must act before the deadline. Filing a claim is the only way to receive settlement payments, and the last day to do so is February 12, 2026. If eligible consumers do not submit a claim, they will not be paid from the settlement fund.
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Background of the Kaiser Settlement
The settlement resolves a lawsuit involving allegations that Kaiser Permanente sent marketing text messages to people after they withdrew consent. The case centers on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a federal statute that prohibits certain automated marketing texts without prior consent. It also involves Florida’s Telephone Solicitation Act (FTSA), which provides additional protections for residents of that state.
According to the settlement website, class members include individuals who received more than one text message within any 12-month period from January 21, 2021, through August 20, 2025, after previously opting out by replying “stop” or similar wording indicating they did not want to receive further texts. Messages sent for informational or administrative purposes that were required for patient care, such as appointment confirmations, are not part of the claims under this settlement.
Kaiser Permanente has not admitted to any wrongdoing or liability in this case. The settlement was reached to avoid the uncertainty of further litigation. The court has scheduled a final approval hearing where it will consider whether to grant official final approval to the settlement terms.
Who Can Claim Money
To assist readers in understanding eligibility, the following key criteria are provided:
- Nationwide Class Eligibility: Individuals who received more than one marketing or promotional text message from Kaiser after sending a “STOP” or similar opt-out request during the settlement period (January 21, 2021 – August 20, 2025).
- Florida Subclass Eligibility: Florida residents who received more than one such text message at least 15 days after sending a “STOP” or similar opt-out request.
- Opt-Out Requirement: The claimant must have clearly communicated the desire to stop messages before receiving subsequent qualifying texts.
- No Purchase Necessary: No purchase, insurance membership, or proof of purchase is required to file a claim; eligibility is based solely on the receipt of qualifying texts.
These criteria ensure that consumers who attempted to stop the marketing texts but continued to receive them may qualify, subject to the specific terms of the settlement.
Amount and Payment Process
The settlement provides for payments of up to $75 per qualifying text message. The actual payment amount per text will depend on the total number of approved claims and the size of the settlement fund. If the combined value of valid claims exceeds the available $10.5 million after fees and administrative expenses, payments may be reduced proportionally (pro rata).
Claimants do not need to provide copies of the text messages themselves but must submit the telephone number(s) that received the messages and attest that the information provided is accurate. The settlement administrator will review claim forms and determine eligibility.
Once claims are approved and the settlement becomes final, payments will generally be issued by mailed check, though the settlement administrator may offer other payment methods. The timeline for payment distribution depends on the claims review process and final court approval.
Important Dates
The timeline for key events in the settlement is essential for eligible individuals. Below is a table summarizing the major deadlines and events:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Class Period | January 21, 2021 – August 20, 2025 |
| Deadline to Opt Out of Settlement | December 29, 2025 |
| Deadline to Object to Settlement Terms | December 29, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | January 28, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern |
| Deadline to Submit Claim Form | February 12, 2026 |
These dates outline when actions such as opting out, objecting to the settlement, and filing claims must be completed. Failure to meet the deadlines means losing the corresponding rights or opportunities.
How to Submit a Claim
To receive a payment from the settlement fund, eligible individuals must complete and submit a claim form. Claim forms can be filed online through the official settlement website or by downloading a paper form to mail before the deadline.
When submitting a claim, individuals should provide accurate contact information and the telephone number(s) that received the qualifying text messages. There is no requirement to upload proof of messages, but claimants must certify under penalty of perjury that the information provided is correct.
Completed paper claim forms must be postmarked by February 12, 2026 if mailed. Online submissions should also be completed by the same date and time. Claimants who miss the deadline will not receive any settlement payment.
For assistance, claimants can contact the settlement administrator using the toll-free number provided on the settlement website.
Legal Rights and What Happens If You Do Nothing
Submitting a claim is the only way to receive compensation from this settlement. Individuals who choose to do nothing by the deadline will not receive a payment and will give up the right to pursue separate legal action regarding the same telemarketing text claims against Kaiser.
Consumers also have the legal option to exclude themselves from the settlement by the December 29, 2025 deadline. Excluding oneself allows the right to pursue separate legal claims against Kaiser but forfeits any payment from this settlement.
Those who want to raise concerns about the fairness of the settlement can submit objections by the same December 29, 2025 deadline or speak at the final approval hearing.