A recent settlement agreement has been reached between the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia and OptumServe Health Services, Inc., a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, to address allegations of discrimination against a disabled veteran and their service animal. As reported by the U.S. Department of Justice, the veteran, who relies on a service animal due to a service-related disability, was denied medical services during a scheduled appointment at an OptumServe facility, in what appears to quickly have become a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
OptumServe, which provides medical services to veterans across the United States, is now expected to make significant changes to its policies and procedures. The aim is to ensure compliance with ADA requirements, such as not to ever discriminate on the basis of disability in the enjoyment of goods and services. To this end, the settlement entails additional training for the company's staff to adequately attend to the needs of patients with disabilities. Moreover, the veteran at the center of the case will receive $85,000 in compensatory damages for the discrimination faced.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marissa Fallica and Senior Civil Investigator Tamara Jones were responsible for handling this case. Title III of the ADA mandates that public accommodations, which include healthcare facilities like those operated by OptumServe, must provide full and equal enjoyment of their services to people with disabilities. This settlement implies a commitment by OptumServe to adhere to these federal requirements moving forward.
Individuals who have experienced discrimination or civil rights violations have been reminded that they can submit complaints directly to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Additionally, questions and requests for further information can be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office, as this case might act to encourage others in need to seek help and to potentially prevent future transgressions of their rights under the law.
