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. This agreement resolves allegations that OptumServe discriminated against a disabled veteran by 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. "Our office is committed to ensuring veterans have access to medical care that is free of discrimination or other barriers that impede them from equal access to healthcare services."
OptumServe provides medical services to veterans across the country. The issue arose when the agency refused to see a veteran at a scheduled appointment because he was accompanied by his service animal, which he requires for a service-related disability. Consequently, the veteran left without receiving any medical care.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation, which includes healthcare facilities operated by private entities like OptumServe.
As part of the settlement, OptumServe will revise its policies and procedures and offer additional training to staff to ensure ADA compliance and proper patient care. Moreover, OptumServe will compensate the veteran $85,000 in damages.
The case was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Fallica and Senior Civil Investigator Tamara Jones.
Complaints regarding discrimination or civil rights violations can be directed to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia via email at USAGAN.CivilRights@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-4626.
For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. Additional details about this office can be found online at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.