The Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group lawsuit resulted in a $1,846,500 settlement after allegations that UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Optum, made robocalls without proper consent. If you received calls between December 11, 2019, and March 27, 2025, you may be eligible for compensation ranging from $20 to over $100.
Key Details:
- What Happened: Optum was accused of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by making calls using prerecorded messages to individuals who had opted out or had no relationship with UnitedHealthcare.
- Who Can File a Claim: Regular users of affected phone numbers who received these calls during the specified period and were not UnitedHealthcare members or had opted out.
- Deadline to File: June 24, 2025.
- How to File: Submit your claim online at CHWTCPASettlement.com or by mail.
Filing Options:
- Online: Faster and provides instant confirmation.
- Mail: Allows for physical documentation but requires planning to meet the deadline.
Stefan Coleman, one of the lead attorneys, helped secure this settlement, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights under the TCPA. For more information or to file a claim, visit the settlement website.
Stefan Coleman’s Role in the Settlement
About Stefan Coleman
Stefan Coleman played a key role as one of the lead attorneys in the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group case. With a strong background in consumer protection, Coleman was conditionally appointed as Class Counsel alongside Avi R. Kaufman to represent the Settlement Class. This appointment reflected the court’s confidence in his ability to advocate effectively for consumers.
Coleman leads the Law Offices of Stefan Coleman, PLLC, a firm known for challenging major corporations accused of violating telemarketing laws. Over the years, he has handled numerous high-profile cases under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), targeting companies for unauthorized robocalls and telemarketing breaches.
Drawing on his extensive experience, Coleman crafted a detailed and effective legal strategy for this case.
Legal Approach Used in the Case
Coleman’s strategy focused on securing class action certification and gathering solid evidence to prove unauthorized calls, ensuring the settlement upheld consumer interests. He worked to demonstrate that the class was sufficiently large, that the plaintiff’s claims mirrored those of other affected individuals, and that shared legal and factual issues outweighed any individual differences.
The legal team concentrated on establishing that UnitedHealth Group violated TCPA rules by making automated calls to wireless numbers without proper consent. This involved thorough evidence collection to document the extent and frequency of these calls. Additionally, the team conducted both preliminary and final approval hearings to assess the fairness of the settlement and ensured class members were properly informed about their rights.
Coleman’s careful planning secured a $1.85 million settlement, with attorney fees capped at $615,500. This ensured that the majority of the settlement funds would directly benefit affected consumers. His work not only achieved a favorable outcome but also underscored the importance of TCPA compliance and consumer protections.
Who Can File a Claim and How
Settlement Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for compensation in the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group settlement, you need to meet four key criteria:
- Regular Wireless User: You must have been a regular user or subscriber to a wireless carrier phone number during the specified period.
- Received Specific Calls: Your wireless number must have received calls from Optum Community Health Workers as part of the Optum at Home program, and these calls must have used an artificial or prerecorded voice.
- Call Timeframe: These calls must have occurred between December 11, 2019, and March 27, 2025.
- Non-Member or Opt-Out: At the time of the calls, you must not have been a United Healthcare member or subscriber, or you must have opted out of receiving such calls from United Healthcare.
If you meet all these conditions, you’re eligible to file a claim. Here’s what to do next.
How to Submit Your Claim
The deadline to submit your claim is June 24, 2025. Missing this date could mean losing your right to compensation, especially since 96% of funds often go unclaimed.
To file your claim, you’ll need your Class Member ID from the court-ordered notice. Be sure to list the qualifying wireless numbers on your claim form. You don’t need to provide supporting documents, as the administrator will verify your phone number against call records.
You can file your claim in two ways:
- Online: Visit CHWTCPASettlement.com.
- Mail: Print a PDF claim form, fill it out, and send it to: Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group Inc.
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324.
Online vs. Mail Claim Filing Options
Both methods are valid, but each offers unique benefits:
| Filing Method | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Quick submission, instant confirmation, and no postage costs. | Requires internet access and familiarity with online forms. |
| Provides a physical record of your claim and doesn’t require internet access. | Must ensure the claim is postmarked by the deadline; delivery times may vary. |
If you’re comfortable with online forms, the digital route is faster and easier. However, if you prefer a tangible approach, mailing your claim is just as acceptable – just plan ahead to meet the deadline.
United Healthcare settled with consumers targeted with pre-recorded calls
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What This Settlement Means for Consumer Rights
The settlement in Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group represents a win for consumer protection under federal law. Thousands of consumers impacted by the case are set to benefit, underscoring the principle that violating laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) carries serious legal and financial consequences. Beyond compensating those affected, this outcome also highlights the responsibilities businesses have under the TCPA.
TCPA Protection and Compliance Rules
The TCPA explicitly prohibits automated calls made without prior consent. It serves as a safeguard against unwanted, automated communications. In this case, UnitedHealth Group was accused of violating the TCPA by using automated messages, through its Optum Community Health Workers program, to contact cellphones without obtaining the necessary consent.
For consumers, the settlement delivers financial relief for the inconvenience and disruption caused by these unauthorized calls. It also reinforces a critical point: even calls made for community health purposes must adhere to consent requirements.
Effects on Future Telemarketing Cases
This case doesn’t just provide immediate relief – it sets a precedent for how TCPA violations are handled moving forward. A key Supreme Court decision in McLaughlin Chiropractic Associates v. McKesson Corp. reshaped the way courts interpret the TCPA. The Court stated:
"In an enforcement proceeding, a district court must independently determine for itself whether the agency’s interpretation of a statute is correct. District courts are not bound by the agency’s interpretation, but instead must determine the meaning of the law under ordinary principles of statutory interpretation, affording appropriate respect to the agency’s interpretation."
This ruling compels courts to independently assess what qualifies as a "reasonable" timeframe for honoring opt-out requests. Meanwhile, the growing number of TCPA cases – such as the $2.5 million settlement in Samson v. United HealthCare Services Inc. over robocalls – signals increasing scrutiny of telemarketing practices.
The Marden’s Ark settlement sets a clear precedent: healthcare companies cannot bypass TCPA rules, even if their calls are intended for community health purposes. It also shows that courts are prepared to award significant compensation to consumers, pushing businesses to implement stricter procedures for managing opt-out requests and securing proper consent.
With these developments, companies are now under greater pressure to revisit their TCPA compliance strategies. These changes pave the way for stronger consumer protections across various industries.
How ReportTelemarketer.com Helps Consumers
The Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group settlement is a great example of how legal action can protect people from unwanted telemarketing calls. For anyone dealing with similar issues, ReportTelemarketer.com offers a straightforward way to not only stop these calls but also potentially recover compensation. Created by attorney Stefan Coleman – the same lawyer behind the Marden’s Ark settlement – this platform connects consumers with legal experts ready to tackle telemarketing violations. Let’s dive into what makes this service so effective.
ReportTelemarketer.com Platform Features
At its core, ReportTelemarketer.com is a consumer-focused platform dedicated to investigating and stopping telemarketers who break federal laws. Users can easily report telemarketers who call or text without proper consent. Once a report is submitted, the platform’s legal team steps in to investigate whether the telemarketer violated consumer protection laws.
The team uses advanced tools to verify whether consent was properly obtained. If violations are found, the platform can take action by sending cease and desist letters or even filing formal complaints against the telemarketer.
One standout feature? Consumers don’t have to worry about legal fees. When the platform successfully stops a telemarketer, the attorney’s fees are claimed from the violator – not the consumer. This makes the service accessible to anyone, much like the class-action settlement in the Marden’s Ark case, which provided relief to thousands of affected individuals.
User Benefits and Privacy Protection
The platform is completely free to use, allowing anyone to submit a report without worrying about upfront costs. Detailed reports from users strengthen the legal team’s investigations, making it easier to hold telemarketers accountable.
Privacy is a top priority. ReportTelemarketer.com ensures that users’ personal information is kept secure throughout the process. Additionally, the platform offers educational resources to help users better understand telemarketing laws and their rights under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This is especially helpful given the complicated nature of telemarketing regulations and the loopholes some companies try to exploit.
Another big plus? The platform helps consumers recover money from telemarketers when violations are proven. This aligns with cases like the UnitedHealth Group settlement, where consumers were compensated for the hassle and disruption caused by unauthorized calls.
Platform Features Summary
Here’s a quick look at the platform’s key features and how they benefit users:
| Feature | Description | Consumer Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Free Reporting Platform | Users can report unwanted calls and texts for free | Removes financial barriers to taking action |
| Professional Investigation | Legal experts analyze reports using advanced tools | Identifies and addresses potential TCPA violations |
| Legal Action | Cease and desist letters or formal complaints are filed | Stops telemarketers directly |
| Recovery Assistance | Helps users get compensation when violations are proven | Financial relief for telemarketing harassment |
| Privacy Protection | Keeps personal information secure | Ensures confidentiality throughout the process |
| Educational Resources | Offers guidance on telemarketing laws and consumer rights | Empowers users with knowledge to protect themselves |
Conclusion
This settlement represents a key moment in enforcing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). With a settlement fund totaling $1,846,500, it sends a clear message: companies that disregard federal telemarketing laws risk significant financial penalties. The allegations against UnitedHealth Group for sending unauthorized prerecorded voice messages highlight that even prominent healthcare organizations are not exempt from respecting consumer rights.
Coleman’s role in securing this settlement also led to the creation of ReportTelemarketer.com, a resource designed to make it easier for consumers to protect themselves against unwanted telemarketing practices.
This case reinforces the importance of obtaining proper consent and shows that collective consumer action can hold companies accountable. It sets a strong example, reminding individuals that they can pursue class-action settlements or use tools like ReportTelemarketer.com to address TCPA violations and safeguard their privacy.
Ultimately, the outcome demonstrates that telemarketing violations carry real consequences, and with solid evidence and legal backing, even large corporations must respect the boundaries of consumer privacy.
FAQs
How can I claim compensation from the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group settlement?
If you think you qualify for a payout from the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group settlement, make sure to submit your claim by June 24, 2025. You can file your claim either online or through the mail.
To file online, visit the official settlement website and complete the claim form there. If you’d rather file by mail, download and print the form, fill it out, and send it to the settlement administrator at the address listed in the settlement details. Just don’t forget – your claim must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
For more help, take a close look at the settlement terms and follow the provided instructions carefully.
What does the settlement mean for companies’ responsibilities under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?
The settlement underscores how important it is for companies to fully comply with the TCPA. Businesses must secure prior express consent before making telemarketing calls or sending text messages. Just as important is keeping clear and precise records of this consent to minimize legal risks.
This case sends a clear message: ignoring TCPA rules can result in hefty financial penalties and serious legal trouble. Companies should put consumer rights at the forefront and establish strong compliance practices to stay within the boundaries of TCPA regulations.
What was Stefan Coleman’s role in the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group settlement, and how does it help consumers?
Stefan Coleman was instrumental in representing the class in the Marden’s Ark v. UnitedHealth Group case, where his work contributed to securing court approval for a settlement totaling nearly $1.8 million. This settlement ensures that individuals who received unauthorized telemarketing calls in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) can receive compensation.
Beyond compensating affected consumers, this settlement delivers a clear warning to telemarketers about adhering to TCPA regulations. It underscores the importance of safeguarding consumer rights and holding companies accountable for unlawful practices.
