Minnesota health insurance regulators are imposing a $450,000 fine against UnitedHealthcare over allegations the Minnetonka-based company failed to comply with mental health parity laws.
The settlement announced Tuesday is the third and largest in a series of consent orders since May 2023 between the state Department of Commerce and health insurers over parity statutes. The laws prohibit health insurers from making it more difficult for patients to get mental health and substance use disorder services than medical/surgical treatments.
UnitedHealthcare neither admitted nor denied the allegations, according to a consent order dated May 2.
“Consumers have the right to access mental health care covered by insurance on par with coverage for other medical care,” Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said in a statement. “Commerce is committed to protecting consumers, ensuring Minnesotans can access mental health care when they need it, and that every insurance company follows the law.”
The company, which is the nation’s largest health insurer, announced last summer it was adding providers and adjusting benefits across the country in response to a significant increase in patients seeking care for mental health and substance use disorders.
UnitedHealthcare said it would continue working with state officials to address the issues identified by regulators. The company says it’s made significant progress in recent years to expand its behavioral health network, including growth in Minnesota since 2019 to almost 13,000 behavioral health providers statewide.
“We are committed to ensuring our members have access to the behavioral health services that meet their needs and help encourage them to lead healthier lives, while meeting requirements under Minnesota state law,” UnitedHealthcare said in a statement.
A portion of the fine — $300,000 — must be paid now, but the remainder will be imposed only if UnitedHealthcare does not complete a corrective action plan.
