In late February, Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), experienced a significant cybersecurity incident which impacted healthcare operations nationwide. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been closely coordinating with UHG to mitigate disruptions to healthcare services, including facilitating claims processing and payments. This incident has highlighted vulnerabilities within the healthcare system, affecting numerous hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, and other stakeholders. Concerns have been raised about potential cash flow issues due to the inability to submit claims and receive payments promptly. HHS has taken steps to support the healthcare community, such as allowing Medicare providers to change clearinghouses for claims processing, encouraging Medicare Advantage and Part D sponsors to relax requirements, and suggesting Medicaid and CHIP plans offer similar flexibilities. This cybersecurity incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance cybersecurity resilience across the healthcare ecosystem.
"id": "cha211050724",
"linkid": "changehealthcare",
"type": "Cyber Attack",
"date": "12/2023",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization’s existence"