Settlement reached over ADA violation involving disabled veteran and service animal

Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

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 addresses allegations that OptumServe discriminated against a disabled veteran, in violation of 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 nationwide. The incident in question involved the agency's refusal to see a veteran during a scheduled appointment because he was accompanied by a service animal, which is necessary for his service-related disability. Consequently, the veteran left without receiving medical care.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability concerning the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, and privileges at places of public accommodation. As such, OptumServe's healthcare facilities fall under this category.

As part of the settlement terms, OptumServe will revise its policies and procedures and provide additional staff training to ensure ADA compliance and proper patient care. Furthermore, OptumServe will compensate the veteran with $85,000 in damages.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Fallica and Senior Civil Investigator Tamara Jones handled this case.

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 more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. Additional details can be found on their website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.