Who is eligible for compensation from Kaiser Permanente data breach settlement?

Kaiser Permanente customers now have the opportunity to receive a portion of a $46 million settlement reached over alleged privacy breaches by the healthcare company. While Kaiser denies any improper sharing of patient information, they have agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit. This settlement is open to 13 million customers across eight states and Washington, D.C., who utilized specific Kaiser Permanente websites or applications between November 2017 and May 2024.

If you are eligible for a portion of the settlement, follow these steps to claim your share. Begin by checking your email for a message from the “Settlement Administrator” that was sent on January 12. The email will have the subject line “Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement – Kaiser Privacy Breach Settlement.” Take note of the Class Member ID Number provided in the email and follow the link to the settlement website. Once on the site, navigate to the Online Claim Form tab and complete the necessary fields. The deadline for submission is March 12.

If you did not receive an email notification but believe you qualify for compensation, visit the settlement website to request an ID number and proceed to complete the online claim form. The settlement administrator estimates that each claimant will receive between $20 to $40, depending on the number of applicants. Payment options include electronic methods such as Venmo, PayPal, or specific retailer credits, along with the choice to receive a paper check.

Kaiser Permanente faced allegations in 2024 that trackers on their websites and applications potentially shared patient data, including search terms, with companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. If you opt not to be covered by the settlement and wish to pursue your claim separately, you must officially opt-out of the settlement class. The opt-out form is available on the settlement website, and the deadline for this action is also March 12.

Overall, Kaiser Permanente customers who used certain websites or apps during the specified time frame have the opportunity to participate in the settlement to address the alleged privacy violations. It is essential for eligible individuals to follow the outlined steps to claim their share of the settlement amount before the deadline.