CMS ending cyberattack relief for healthcare providers in July
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will wind down its financial relief program for healthcare providers affected by the Change Healthcare cyberattack.
The agency will cease accepting new applications for accelerated or advance payments after July 12.
Impact of the change healthcare cyberattack
The relief program was initiated in March following a catastrophic cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare subsidiary in February.
The attack caused widespread disruptions, freezing vital functions related to billing, payments, prior authorization, and insurance verification for numerous healthcare organizations.
To alleviate these cash flow challenges, CMS offered funds to eligible providers and suppliers. Approximately 4,200 hospitals and other Medicare Part A providers received over $2.55 billion in accelerated payments.
Additionally, doctors, durable medical equipment suppliers, and other Part B suppliers received more than $717.18 million in advance payments.
Return to normal operations
CMS stated that provider and supplier billing practices have largely returned to normal, and the agency has recouped about 96% of the payments from recipients.
Providers and suppliers experiencing billing and payment issues are advised to contact Change Healthcare or their Medicare administrative contractor before federal assistance lapses next month.
Additional financial assistance
In early March, UnitedHealth Group — Change Healthcare’s parent company — launched a financial assistance program for some providers affected by the cyberattack, advancing more than $6.5 billion to providers.
Healthcare company Highmark also launched a funding program for providers unable to submit claims.
