US government urges insurance firms to provide early payments post-cyberattack turmoil
In the wake of a cyberattack causing disruption to insurance processing systems, the US government has called upon insurance companies to offer early payments to healthcare providers. This proactive measure aims to mitigate financial strain on the healthcare sector due to the cyber incident.
The US government is encouraging insurance companies to provide early payments to healthcare providers after a cyberattack disrupted insurance processing systems. This cyberattack had a major impact on Change Healthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, which handles 15 billion healthcare transactions each year. As a result of the cyberattack, pharmacies and hospitals nationwide have been unable to process prescription bills.
The UnitedHealth website on a smartphone arranged in New York, US, on Monday, July 10, 2023.
The UnitedHealth website on a smartphone arranged in New York, US, on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Gabby Jones/Bloomberg/Getty Images
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US health clinics are struggling to keep their doors open following a massive cyberattack that has left them in financial distress. In a letter, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su are urging leaders in the healthcare industry, particularly other payers, to come together and address the urgent situation.
The two individuals requested UnitedHealth Group to help providers facing cash flow challenges by providing advanced payment quickly and increasing communication frequency.
Editor's P/S:
The recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare has exposed the vulnerability of our healthcare system to digital threats. The disruption to insurance processing systems has had a devastating impact on pharmacies and hospitals, leaving them unable to process prescription bills and facing financial distress.
The US government's response to this crisis is encouraging, with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su urging other payers to come together and address the urgent situation. They have also requested UnitedHealth Group to provide advanced payments to providers facing cash flow challenges. Such measures are essential to support the healthcare industry during this challenging time and ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need.
