The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia has reached a settlement with OptumServe Health Services, Inc., a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. The agreement resolves allegations that OptumServe discriminated against a disabled veteran, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
"Service animals are not pets and are often prescribed to assist veterans diagnosed with particular service-related disabilities," stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He emphasized the office's commitment to ensuring veterans have access to medical care without discrimination or barriers.
OptumServe provides medical services nationwide to veterans with disabilities. In this case, the agency refused service to a veteran at a scheduled appointment because he was accompanied by a service animal required for his disability. Consequently, the veteran left without receiving care.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations' goods, services, facilities, and privileges. OptumServe operates healthcare facilities considered "public accommodation" under Title III.
As part of the settlement, OptumServe will revise its policies and procedures and provide additional staff training to comply with ADA requirements and ensure proper patient care. Furthermore, OptumServe will pay $85,000 in compensatory damages to the veteran.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Fallica and Senior Civil Investigator Tamara Jones handled this case.
Discrimination or civil rights violation complaints can be submitted directly to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia via email at USAGAN.CivilRights@usdoj.gov or by phone at (404) 581-4626.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The office's website is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.