Medicare down?

[rzemanfl]

I overheard at the local Walgreens pharmacy that Medicare's website was hacked. They could not give a person a COVID shot, because they could not get payment approved by Medicare, they were not able to connect with them online. The person bearing the bad news said this had been an issue for over a week.

Has anyone else encountered this?

ON EDIT-some little-known outfit got hacked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/03/05/change-healthcare-hack-prescriptions-affect/

I did not make the connection to Medicare.

[Chakaconcarne]

1. Russian Cyber attack on insurance claims processor(s)

Happened a couple weeks now, I think.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/22/tech/us-pharmacies-face-delays-filling-prescriptions-because-of-cyberattack/index.html

[rzemanfl]

3. Thank you. I was aware of that attack, but did not make the connection.

[mucifer]

2. Illinois public aid has had problems recently

[Lovie777]

4. Wasn't Facebook down?.....................................

Cyber attacks, one of the terrorist groups cut cables in the Red Sea the other day.

It's a tactic, shut down social media and watch head's explode.

[Silent Type]

5. Here's a statement from Health and Human Services

HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is aware that Change Healthcare – a unit of UnitedHealth Group (UHG) – was impacted by a cybersecurity incident in late February. HHS recognizes the impact this attack has had on health care operations across the country. HHS’ first priority is to help coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions to care throughout the health care system."

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/05/hhs-statement-regarding-the-cyberattack-on-change-healthcare.html

[XanaDUer2]

6. Why can't they protect

Against these backs? I have Medicare D worth UHC. if if affected this will be my 3rd hack

[tulipsandroses]

7. It's a nightmare and I'm surprised that there has been very little major news coverage

The Change attack is causing all kinds of disruptions from clinics, to pharmacies, and hospitals. It’s far reaching even if you don’t have United. They own a major system used to verify benefits and make payments.

It may end up putting some health care providers out of business as they have not been paid. Many small practices are cash strapped. Which then leads to less access to care in some communities if providers are forced to shut down.
Some folks can’t get their medication or care because their insurance can’t be verified. Some pharmacies are unable to receive prescriptions.

Hopefully it is resolved soon.