The cyberattack launched against UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Change Healthcare on February 21, 2024, has stalled the submission and receipt of Medicare claims payments over the Change Healthcare Platform, and resulted in significant cash flow challenges for many providers. On March 9, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the availability of “Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) accelerated payments to Part A providers and advance payments to Part B suppliers experiencing claims disruptions as a result of the Incident.” For more information and eligibility requirements, please refer to the CMS Factsheet.
Furthermore, the American Hospital Association reports “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services March 13 released additional information on the Medicare accelerated and advance payments that hospitals, physicians and others impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack may apply for through their Medicare Administrative Contractors. According to CMS, the MACs aim to review requests and notify most providers/suppliers of the outcome of their request within five business days of receipt”.