TLDR:
- The cyberattack on Change Healthcare is costing Massachusetts hospitals $24 million a day.
- The attack is affecting hospital operations and provider payments, with potential long-term impacts.
The debilitating cyberattack on Change Healthcare is causing Massachusetts hospitals to lose an average of $24 million a day, according to the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association. The attack, which occurred last month, has led to disruptions in hospital operations and provider payments. While UnitedHealth Group, the owner of Change Healthcare, expects to restore the systems soon, the impact on cash flow and daily operations is already significant. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has urged for stronger cybersecurity measures in the health care ecosystem to prevent such attacks in the future.
The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) is willing to provide financial support and flexible operating policies on a case-by-case basis to help hospitals cope with the cyberattack. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of investing in backup systems and establishing industry-specific regulations to strengthen cybersecurity. The need for collaboration between government, lawmakers, and the private sector to address cybersecurity threats is crucial to prevent future disruptions to essential services.