Have you noticed you receive more text messages related to health care? This is a reality, from marketing text messages sent to patients’ phones to large databases that store sensitive medical information, more communication now happens through technology than ever before. However, when these systems fail or are used without respecting people’s decisions is when legal issues and concerns about privacy begin.
To explain this situation, we are going to explain two real cases: a class action settlement involving Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and unwanted marketing messages, and a separate data breach case involving Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates. So, let’s get started.
Kaiser text messages
Many people in the U.S. received marketing messages from Kaiser, even after having responded ‘’stop’’ to avoid them. As a result, people filed a class action lawsuit against Kaiser Foundation Health Plan for ignoring their requests and violating federal and Florida laws related to telemarketing.
As part of the $10.5 million legal agreement, people who meet certain requirements can apply up to $75 per received message after having requested to stop. More specifically, people must have received more than one text between January 21, 2021, and August 20, 2025, after asking the company to stop messaging them. Also, a separate Florida class covers people who continued receiving texts at least fifteen days after opting out.
Kaiser denies any wrongdoing, but they accepted paying the agreement instead of continuing with the legal process. So, if you are eligible for this money, you must send your claim before February 12, 2026. Have in mind that the exact amount each person receives may vary depending on how many people file claims.
Data breach
The second case we are going to explain today involves Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, a medical practice based in Colorado. In September, 2024, an unauthorized person had access to the organization’s computer systems and could see sensitive information of more than 360,000 patients: from names, Social Security numbers, medical records, and insurance data.
In this case, the practice also denied any negligence, but agreed to pay economic compensation of up to $1,000 for people who can prove documented losses linked to identity theft, fraud, credit monitoring expenses, or similar costs. What’s more, all affected patients are also eligible for two years of free credit and medical identity monitoring services. Unfortunately, if you were one of the individuals who received a breach notice, the deadline to submit a documented claim was before February 2, 2026.
Both legal situations are handled as class action lawsuits, which means a small group of people represents a larger group with similar complaints. If the court approves the settlement, those who remain in the class may receive compensation or services but usually give up the right to sue the company again over the same issue.
Digital impact beyond court
We might not be aware of environmental concerns about digital communication because we are so used to it, but it depends on energy-intensive infrastructure such as data centers and communication networks. It is estimated that the global digital sector produces roughly two to three percent of greenhouse gas emissions. While a single text message has a very small carbon footprint, millions of automated messages still rely on systems that consume electricity and resources.
Health care itself contributes to this environmental impact because hospitals, clinics, supply chains, and medical technologies together account for about four to five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
So, while digital tools can reduce paper use and travel, they also increase reliance on technology that requires large amounts of energy. And cybersecurity incidents like the Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology breach may lead to additional storage, audits, and system rebuilding, which also require energy and resources.
So…
Whether it’s unwanted messages or the risk of a data breach, understanding your rights helps you stay informed and make smarter decisions about your privacy. By paying attention to how your data is used and taking simple steps to protect yourself, you become an active part of a safer digital environment.