CMS Statement on Continued Action to Respond to the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to monitor and assess the impact that the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Change Healthcare has had on all provider and supplier types.  Today, CMS is announcing that, in addition to considering applications for accelerated payments for Medicare Part A providers, we will also be considering applications for advance payments for Part B suppliers.  Over the last few days, we have continued to meet with health plans, providers and suppliers to hear about their most pressing concerns.  As announced previously, we have directed our Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to expedite actions needed for providers and suppliers to change the clearinghouse they use and to accept paper claims if providers need to use that method.  We will continue to respond to provider and supplier inquiries regarding MAC processes.

CMS also recognizes that many Medicaid providers are deeply affected by the impact of the cyberattack.  We are continuing to work closely with States and are urging Medicaid managed care plans to make prospective payments to impacted providers, as well.  All MACs will provide public information on how to submit a request for a Medicare accelerated or advance payment on their websites as early as today, Saturday, March 9.  CMS looks forward to continuing to support the provider community during this difficult situation.  All affected providers should reach out to health plans and other payers for assistance with the disruption.  CMS has encouraged Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to offer advance funding to providers affected by this cyberattack.  The rules governing CMS’s payments to MA organizations and Part D sponsors remain unchanged.  Please note that nothing in this statement speaks to the arrangements between MA organizations or Part D sponsors and their contracted providers or facilities.

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

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