What you should know about the UnitedHealth cyberattack

Patients will need to watch medical bills closely in the coming weeks and months as the billing mess gets sorted out. Risks from stolen data are unclear.

Key Points:

• On Feb. 21, hackers accessed an IT system at a UnitedHealth subsidiary, affecting medical claims processing systems used by pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.
• Hospitals and clinics have been unable to file claims for payment, leading to concerns about financial stability and potential disruptions in care.
• The cybercrime threat actors represented themselves as ALPHV/Blackcat, known for encrypting data and demanding ransoms.
• Patient with UnitedHealth insurance plans or Medicare Advantage plans may face billing errors and delays as the company works to restore systems and resolve the aftermath of the attack.

UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Change Healthcare, processed an estimated 50% of all U.S. medical claims, making the scope of this cyberattack significant. Patients may experience delays in care and billing errors as providers navigate the aftermath of the hack. It’s essential for patients to monitor their medical bills closely and follow up with their insurance providers and healthcare facilities to ensure accurate billing and treatment.