Cybersecurity Attack Impacts Claims Processing

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, suffered a cybersecurity attack from a suspected nation-state, per its SEC filing. Among other services, Change Healthcare supports routing prescriptions from pharmacies to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), including Optum and other PBMs.

In response, Change Healthcare disconnected its prescription routing service to limit the impact. It is possible that other providers, such as hospitals and nursing homes, use the Change Healthcare interchange service and may be impacted. Find updates here from UnitedHealth Group.

The most recent information indicates that multiple workarounds have been implemented to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need. Based on the ongoing investigation, there is no indication that Optum, UnitedHealthcare or UnitedHealth Group systems have been affected by this issue.

It is not entirely clear how broad the impact is since many providers were able to quickly shift to alternatives, and Change Healthcare implemented a workaround. Employers whose employees or family members are impacted should direct those plan members to contact the carrier or PBM for their recommended solution. However, you can also reach out to your Hylant representative for support.

Employers should watch for communications from PBMs and providers that may have been impacted since they are providing updates. Communications may look like junk email, so be alert.

We will continue to monitor this situation and keep clients apprised as we learn pertinent information. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your Hylant team for assistance.

The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your employee benefits broker or trusted advisor for insurance-related questions.