Highmark Health has swiftly responded to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, launching an advance funding program to aid struggling healthcare providers. Despite challenges faced by smaller practices, Highmark’s proactive approach includes providing financial assistance based on historical data. While other entities like UnitedHealth Group and CMS have also taken steps to support affected providers, Highmark’s decision to uphold prior authorization requirements reflects a commitment to fiduciary duties. As investigations unfold and services gradually resume, Highmark remains focused on navigating the crisis while advocating for industry-wide resilience against cyber threats.
In the wake of the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, Highmark Health has emerged as a beacon of support for healthcare providers grappling with financial uncertainty. With smaller practices bearing the brunt of revenue disruptions, Highmark’s Senior Vice President, Kate Musler, underscores the critical need for assistance, especially in rural areas. As the first Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to implement an advance payment program, Highmark aims to alleviate cash flow challenges by disbursing funds based on historical audits. While acknowledging the broader efforts of entities like UnitedHealth Group and CMS, Highmark’s decision to maintain prior authorization protocols reflects a commitment to preserving essential fiduciary functions amidst the crisis.
Resilience in Action: Highmark’s Role in Cyberattack Fallout
Highmark Health has taken proactive steps to support healthcare providers grappling with cash flow challenges in the aftermath of the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. Kate Musler, Highmark’s Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Provider Network, emphasized the acute difficulties faced by smaller healthcare practices, particularly those in rural areas, due to their limited cash reserves.
The attack, which targeted Change Healthcare, a major processor of medical claims in the United States, has caused significant disruptions since February 21. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Highmark has become the first Blue Cross Blue Shield plan to initiate an advance payment program for affected providers. This program aims to alleviate financial strain by disbursing a substantial portion of the claims typically billed to Highmark, based on historical data.
In response to the crisis, Change Healthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, established a funding assistance program for affected providers within its network. Similarly, CMS has implemented advance payment measures for Medicare Parts A and B, while advocating for private insurers to follow suit. The American Medical Association has also advocated for transparency regarding which payers are offering financial advances to providers.
Despite calls from CMS to waive prior authorization requirements during the outage, Highmark has opted to maintain these protocols. Musler cited the importance of upholding essential fiduciary functions and ensuring due diligence on behalf of plan sponsors. Although UnitedHealth Group anticipates the restoration of Change Healthcare’s payment and claims platforms by mid-March, providers are likely to continue experiencing cash flow challenges for some time.
The prolonged unavailability of Change Healthcare’s systems, which typically take around three weeks to process claims, exacerbates the financial strain on providers. Even if normal operations resume promptly, the impact on revenue streams persists due to delayed payments and ongoing disruptions.
Government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have initiated investigations into the cyberattack and its repercussions. Amidst the fallout, Highmark remains confident in its ability to respond effectively to unprecedented challenges. Musler expressed pride in the organization’s agility and response strategies, emphasizing the need for the industry to address vulnerabilities associated with reliance on centralized systems.
Highmark Health’s response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack exemplifies proactive leadership and unwavering support for healthcare providers. By swiftly launching an advanced funding program and upholding operational integrity, Highmark demonstrates a commitment to mitigating the financial impact on providers, particularly smaller practices. As investigations continue and services gradually resume, Highmark remains vigilant in navigating the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. Through collaboration, resilience, and a steadfast focus on provider support, Highmark sets a precedent for industry-wide response to crisis, ensuring continuity of care and safeguarding the integrity of healthcare systems.
