UnitedHealth Group unveils a comprehensive plan for recovery following a cyberattack on Change Healthcare. This attack has disrupted healthcare operations, affecting payers, hospitals, and pharmacies. The recovery timeline includes key updates for payers, such as temporary suspension of prior authorizations and utilization reviews, utilization of workarounds, and resumption of electronic prescribing and payments. UnitedHealth emphasizes collaboration with states and urges payers to offer temporary funding support to healthcare providers. Through these measures, UnitedHealth aims to expedite recovery efforts and ensure uninterrupted patient care delivery.
UnitedHealth Group has outlined a strategic recovery plan following the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare, aiming to restore critical systems and alleviate the impact on the healthcare ecosystem. This attack has not only disrupted operations for payers but has also affected hospitals, physician practices, and pharmacies, leading to significant reductions in claims volume.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth, expressed the company’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of this malicious cyber incident. He emphasized the responsibility felt by UnitedHealth Group to expedite recovery efforts, ensuring that healthcare providers can continue serving patients effectively and that patients can access essential medications without interruption.
Here are five essential updates for payers regarding the recovery process:
1. Temporary Suspension of Prior Authorizations and Utilization Review:
Until March 31, Medicare Advantage and D-SNP prior authorizations for outpatient services, excluding durable medical equipment, cosmetic procedures, and Part B step therapies, have been suspended. Similarly, utilization review processes for MA inpatient admissions and drug formulary exception reviews for Part D pharmacy benefits are temporarily halted. UnitedHealth will collaborate with states to address any necessary Medicaid actions during this period.
2. Utilization of Workarounds:
While key systems are offline, payers are advised to utilize available workarounds, notably the new iEDI claim submission system, to facilitate smoother operations and mitigate disruptions.
3. Resumption of Electronic Prescribing for Pharmacy Services:
Electronic prescribing for pharmacy services, encompassing claim submission and payment transmission, has been restored, allowing for seamless transactions and improved efficiency in pharmacy operations.
4. Reintroduction of Electronic Payments:
Starting March 15, electronic payments will be made available, easing financial transactions for payers and healthcare entities. Additionally, Change Healthcare’s claims network and software are scheduled to gradually come back online, commencing March 18, further streamlining processes and restoring normalcy.
5. Encouragement for Temporary Funding Support:
UnitedHealth encourages all payers to extend temporary funding assistance to healthcare providers to address short-term cash flow challenges. By offering financial support during this transitional period, payers can help maintain stability within the healthcare ecosystem and ensure uninterrupted patient care delivery.
UnitedHealth’s comprehensive recovery timeline underscores its commitment to mitigating the impact of the cyberattack on healthcare stakeholders. By implementing strategic measures and collaborating with relevant entities, UnitedHealth aims to expedite the restoration of critical systems and alleviate operational challenges faced by payers, providers, and patients alike.
UnitedHealth’s proactive response to the cyberattack exemplifies its dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system. By providing timely updates and implementing strategic measures, UnitedHealth aims to mitigate the impact of the attack on payers and healthcare providers. The temporary suspension of prior authorizations, utilization of workarounds, and resumption of electronic prescribing and payments reflect UnitedHealth’s commitment to facilitating smooth operations amid challenging circumstances. As recovery efforts continue, collaboration and support from all stakeholders will be essential in restoring normalcy and strengthening the resilience of the healthcare infrastructure.
