A cyberattack that hit Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth, continues to disrupt insurance processing at pharmacies across the US, affecting healthcare professionals and patients alike. The hack has led to financial losses for health care providers, with estimates suggesting losses exceeding $100 million per day. Elevance Health, the owner of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has cut network connections with Change Healthcare as a precaution.

Some healthcare providers have resorted to manual billing, while others are using alternative clearing houses to submit insurance claims. The cyber incident, attributed to a prolific ransomware gang, has caused confusion and delays among professionals like psychotherapist Raeya Disney and allergist Purvi Parikh, who are struggling to access vital services for their patients.

In response to the cyberattack, senior US officials from the FBI, HHS, and Homeland Security have been coordinating efforts to address the issue. Despite forensic evidence linking the attack to the ransomware gang, the hackers have claimed responsibility for the breach, leaving the healthcare sector vulnerable to further disruptions. The American Hospital Association has also reported ongoing challenges in insurance claims processing due to the attack.

Overall, the cyberattack on Change Healthcare highlights the vulnerabilities of the healthcare system to cyber threats, underscoring the need for increased cybersecurity measures to safeguard vital services and patient care.