UnitedHealthcare paid $15.6 million after investigations found mental-health coverage violations

Summary

In August 2021, United Behavioral Health and UnitedHealthcare Insurance agreed to pay $15.6 million and take corrective action following investigations and litigation by the U.S. Department of Labor and the New York Attorney General. Federal investigators found that, going back to at least 2013, the companies reduced reimbursement rates for out-of-network mental-health services, causing patients to pay more for treatment. Investigators also found that patients receiving mental-health care were flagged for additional utilization reviews, resulting in many payment denials. Of the total, approximately $13.6 million was designated for affected patients and beneficiaries, with another roughly $2 million in penalties. Because this was a settlement following government investigations—not merely an unresolved private allegation—it is particularly strong evidence. U.S. Department of Labor documentation: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20210812