03/12/2024

Cyber-Attack on CHANGE Healthcare

We know that providers have been experiencing challenges with medical claims and payments because of the cyber-attack on CHANGE Healthcare on February 21st.  While UnitedHealth Group has issued its own temporary provider assistance fund, CMS had been struggling with whether or not it had the statutory authority to issue accelerated and advanced payments to providers – particularly in Part B. The last time CMS did something similar, it was during the pandemic and the agency had emergency waiver authorities granted under the public health emergency that no longer exists.

This weekend, CMS issued further provider assistance, particularly as it relates to providers in Part B.  The announcement state that in addition to considering applications for accelerated payments for Medicare Part A providers, CMS will now also be considering applications for advance payments for Part B providers. Please see both the CMS fact sheet and statement below.

Fact Sheet: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance  

CMS Statement: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-statement-continued-action-respond-cyberattack-change-healthcare

We will provide further updates as they become available.