March 14, 2024

Change Healthcare Cyberattack Update: CMS, Optum Announce Assistance for Physician Groups

Click here for the latest news, updates, and resources from Change Healthcare.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced it will institute Change Healthcare/Optum payment disruption advance payments for physicians and health care professionals experiencing claims disruptions due to the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

The advance Medicare payments may be granted in amounts representative of up to 30 days of claims payments for eligible physician practices.

The WSMA has been communicating with Noridian, the Medicare administrative contractor for jurisdiction F, which includes Washington state. Noridian indicated that its webpage has been updated and instructs WSMA members to click on the Change Healthcare alert and scroll to the bottom where information is provided for the advance payments. Note that CMS has provided a template to fill out and submit to Noridian.

Please see CMS' press release and fact sheet for more information.

In addition, Optum has released information on its Temporary Funding Assistance Program designed to help bridge the gap in short-term cash flow needs for physicians impacted by the disruption of Change Healthcare's services. To determine if you are eligible for this program, sign into your Optum Pay account or please submit a request through the temporary funding inquiry form.

With any questions, please contact the WSMA policy department.