The agency outlines the steps being taken after the Change Healthcare ransomware incident.
The Department of Health and Human Services released a letter to health professionals over the weekend that addressed the ongoing issues as a result of a cyberattack against Change Healthcare, the UnitedHealth Group entity that handles roughly a third of American patients’ health records and payment processing.
“The attack has impacted payments to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers across the country,“ the agency stated. “Many of these providers are concerned about their ability to offer care in the absence of timely payments, but providers persist despite the need for numerous onerous workarounds and cash flow uncertainty.“
“In a situation such as this, the government and private sector must work together to help providers make payroll and deliver timely care to the American people,“ HHS continued. “We urge the private sector to quickly identify and carry out solutions.“
The department outlined steps for UnitedHealth Group, insurance companies, and other payers to help bridge the gap in processing and payments.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Becerra as he facilitates the efforts to workaround health record and payment processing with medical professionals and entities.
- For Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as she heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- For American patients and their healthcare providers as they navigate the disruption to insurance coverage processing.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services
