Change Healthcare Breach Information and Resources

Change Healthcare was hacked by a ransomware group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, on February 21^st. Many psychologists have been affected by this breach.  

We have gathered helpful resources and information to help navigate the situation:

• Temporary Funding Inquiry Form (optum.com) 

• This form acts as the first point of contact for providers seeking short-term financial help due to the disruption caused by issues with Change Healthcare. 
• Check eligibility here TFC (optum.com)  

If you continue to face obstacles because of the cyberattack, you can email hhscyber@hhs.gov for support. 

Additional information: 

• On March 10^th, the HHS shared this letter to provide more information on what steps to take after the cyberattack. Letter to Health Care Leaders on Cyberattack on Change Healthcare | HHS.gov 

• APA sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighting the severe impact of the breach on psychologists and calling for action by HHS. 

• Click here to find additional Resources for Providers in Response to the Change Healthcare Cyberattack 

• Review the HHS Healthcare and Public Health Cybersecurity performance goals to help strengthen patients’ health information. HPH Cybersecurity Gateway (hhs.gov)  

• Sen. Warner introduced legislation on March 22 that modifies existing law to enable accelerated and advance payments under Medicare and Medicaid and allow the Health Secretary to determine if a cyberattack requires such payments. 

• Chuck Schumer wrote this letter to urge “Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to immediately make Accelerated and Advanced Payments available to the hospitals, pharmacies, and relevant providers who have been impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack.” 

Information to share with your patients:  

• Potential leakage of protected, sensitive patient data. It is important to inform your patients of the potential data breach. 
• There are ongoing difficulties getting prescriptions or health care requiring prior authorizations. They might experience delays with receiving prescriptions. 
• Long-term financial impact on practices, which could lead to workforce disruptions and/or practices closing, affecting patient access to care.