Congress Targets Healthcare Cybersecurity: Urgent Action Needed
TL/DR –
A February cyber attack on Change Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary that processes insurance claims, disrupted healthcare payments across the US. Over 80% of hospitals said their cash flow was affected by the incident, and the government responded by ensuring Medicare payments were made promptly. Now, Congress is launching inquiries into the incident, with the House Energy & Commerce Health subcommittee holding a hearing featuring cybersecurity experts, and a Senate hearing also planned.
Change Healthcare Cyberattack Investigation by Congress Begins
The February cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, disrupted health care payments nationwide as insurance claims were left unsettled. The firm is a significant player in insurance claim technology.
Post-attack, 80% of hospitals reported cash flow disturbances. The administration reacted by approving accelerated and advance payments to systems foreseeing delays, ensuring Medicare payments were made.
Congressional Inquiries Into Cybersecurity Begin
Congress has initiated its investigation into the incident. A Tuesday hearing by the House Energy & Commerce Health subcommittee will focus on health sector cybersecurity, with a panel of cybersecurity experts to testify.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, confirmed a forthcoming hearing on the Change attack. Wyden acknowledged the healthcare industry as a prime target for cybercriminals and highlighted the systemic cybersecurity risk posed by large middlemen companies controlling core healthcare functions.
While a spokesperson for Senate Finance Democrats didn’t confirm a hearing, The Washington Post reported that UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty would be the sole witness at an April 30 hearing. Politico also confirmed that Witty would be testifying.
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