The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia has reached a settlement agreement with OptumServe Health Services, Inc., a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. The agreement addresses allegations that OptumServe discriminated against a disabled veteran by violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Service animals are not pets and are often prescribed to assist veterans diagnosed with particular service-related disabilities.” He emphasized the office's commitment to ensuring that veterans have access to medical care without discrimination or barriers.

OptumServe, which provides medical services to veterans nationwide, reportedly refused to see the veteran at a scheduled appointment because he was accompanied by a service animal necessary for his disability. Consequently, the veteran left without receiving medical care.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations' goods, services, facilities, and privileges. As a private entity operating healthcare facilities, OptumServe is considered a place of "public accommodation" under this law.

As part of the settlement terms, OptumServe will revise its policies and procedures and offer additional staff training to comply with ADA requirements. The company will also pay $85,000 in compensatory damages to the veteran.

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

Individuals can report discrimination or civil rights violations 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. Additional details are available on their website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.