HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is aware that Change Healthcare – a unit of UnitedHealth Group (UHG) – was impacted by a cybersecurity incident in late February. HHS recognizes the impact this attack has had on healthcare operations across the country. HHS’ first priority is to help coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions to care throughout the health care system.

HHS refers directly to UHG for updates on incident response progress and recovery planning. However, numerous hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, and other stakeholders have highlighted potential cash flow concerns to HHS stemming from an inability to submit claims and receive payments. HHS has heard these concerns and is taking direct action to support the important needs of the healthcare community.

On March 5, 2024, HHS announced immediate steps that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking to assist providers to continue to serve patients. CMS will continue to communicate with the healthcare community and assist as appropriate. Providers should continue to work with all their payers for the latest updates on how to receive timely payments.

Click here to read the entire announcement from HHS.