The fallout from the UnitedHealth Change Healthcare cyberattack continues to attract scrutiny on Capitol Hill, with a key House committee examining the attack, its causes, and its implications in hearings last week and this week.
On April 16, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing that explored the impact of the attack and contributing factors, including vertical integration and lack of adequate cybersecurity standards. Subcommittee members also sought comment from witnesses on how to spur the adoption of best practices to prevent future attacks.
This week, on May 1, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty is scheduled to testify before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations about the attack and its implications for patients and providers.
America’s Essential Hospitals has responded actively to the cyberattack on behalf of its members, including in a March 22 letter to congressional leaders calling for support to help essential hospitals weather the crisis and prepare for the next such attack.
Hill Activity Last Week
Also last week, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services Budget for fiscal year 2025. During the hearing, Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) advocated for implementing site-neutral Medicare payment policies to replace current budget neutrality requirements. The association and its members have vigorously opposed site-neutral payment schemes and will continue to meet with lawmakers to detail how site-neutral payments would disproportionately harm essential hospitals.
The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing, during which members agreed on the need to address improper Medicare and Medicaid payments to reduce the federal deficit and maintain program integrity. Lawmakers highlighted issues, including overpayments to Medicare Advantage, risks associated with Medicaid managed care plans, and the need for increased transparency and data sharing.
Committee Activity This Week
The House and Senate are in recess this week.
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