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Cyber Attack on Change Healthcare Impacts Healthcare Infrastructure and Providers

Hartford, Connecticut – Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in urging United Health Care Inc. to take more proactive measures to protect healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients affected by a recent cyber attack on their subsidiary, Change Healthcare. The attack, orchestrated by the Russian cyber gang ALPHV/Blackcat on Feb. 1, paralyzed Change Healthcare’s computer platform for a week, impacting tens of thousands of healthcare providers and insurers nationwide. …

Healthcare Providers’ Religious Rights Reinforced with New HHS Regulation

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a new regulation aimed at reinforcing protections for healthcare providers who refuse to participate in care for religious reasons. The final rule, set to take effect on March 11, seeks to balance the religious rights of providers with the medical needs of patients seeking care. Under the so-called conscience rule, healthcare providers can refuse to take part in procedures or treatments such …

Alaska House Considers Bill to Legalize Subscription-Based Access to Medical Providers

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that could legalize subscription-based access to medical providers, a move that has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Direct health care agreements, which allow patients to pay a monthly subscription fee for specified medical care, are seen as a potential alternative to traditional health insurance. Supporters argue that these agreements could improve access to care …

Week in Review: CMS Issues Proposed Payment Rules for Psychiatric Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Hospice Providers

Wilmington, DE – This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been busy issuing proposed and final rules that will impact various healthcare providers across the country. One of the significant highlights is the proposed FY 2025 payment rules for inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF), skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and hospice providers. Additionally, CMS finalized rules focused on streamlining Medicaid enrollment processes and limiting short-term, limited duration insurance (STLDI). The Food and Drug …

Cyberattack Fallout: UnitedHealth Group Provides $3.3 Billion in Relief to Care Providers

Bengaluru, India – UnitedHealth Group, a prominent U.S. insurer, has announced a significant step in supporting care providers affected by a recent cyberattack on insurance claims system Change Healthcare. The company revealed that it has already distributed over $3.3 billion to those impacted by the breach. A substantial portion of the funds, more than 40% of the total amount, has been allocated to safety net hospitals and federally qualified health centers that cater to high-risk …

Medicaid Contract Announcement Delayed by AHCA Sparks Speculation Among Lobbyists and Providers

Tallahassee, Florida – Lobbyists and healthcare providers are eagerly awaiting the announcement from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regarding the selection of the entity that will oversee Florida’s multi-billion Medicaid system. The anticipated announcement of the winners of the latest Medicaid managed care contracts by AHCA has been delayed, leaving stakeholders in suspense. With over 4.8 million people enrolled in Medicaid in February, according to AHCA, the upcoming decision holds significant implications for …

Important: HIPAA Compliance Steps for Health Care Providers in Response to Data Breach Incidents

Boston, Massachusetts – Data privacy and security have become critical concerns for healthcare providers in today’s digital age. With the increasing regulatory activity surrounding patient data and the attention it receives, compliance with federal regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is essential. Failure to adhere to HIPAA guidelines has led to sanctions, public scrutiny, reputational damage, and other negative consequences for healthcare providers across the country. HIPAA applies to all regulated …

Cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare Unit Prompts Urgent Calls for Expedited Payments to Providers

Bengaluru, India – The U.S. government has called on UnitedHealth Group to speed up payments to healthcare providers following a cyberattack on its Change Healthcare unit that disrupted medical claims and payments. In an open letter, officials from the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services have urged UnitedHealth to address the financial challenges providers are facing due to the cyberattack. The government’s plea to UnitedHealth extends beyond just the one company, asking for …

Cyberattack Fallout: Federal Emergency Funding Offered to Outpatient Health Care Providers

Washington, D.C. – Federal health officials announced on Saturday that they are taking action to provide emergency funding to various healthcare providers impacted by a recent cyberattack. The attack targeted the nation’s largest processor of medical claims, leaving organizations struggling financially. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed plans to offer advance payments to suppliers billing through Medicare Part B, aiming to support a wide range of healthcare organizations affected by the attack. This …

Cyberattack Fix: Health Providers Slam United’s Response

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Health providers are expressing frustration as they await weeks for a fix to a cyberattack that has disrupted operations at UnitedHealth. The company, Change Healthcare, is working tirelessly to restore its systems, with a target date set for mid-March. This comes after hackers behind the ransomware attack received a hefty $22 million payment, raising concerns about the security of sensitive medical information. UnitedHealth, a major player in the healthcare industry, has been …