February 29, 2024 – Updated 04.09.24
Change Healthcare Security Incident
Update 03.07.24: On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a statement in response to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare. We encourage you to review the entire statement for detailed information about the actions taken and flexibilities in place to alleviate potential operational disruptions and reimbursement delays. In addition, please review the "What affected parties need to know" section below for specific resources that align with the flexibilities outlined in the HHS statement.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and CGS Administrators are aware that Change Healthcare recently suffered a cyberattack. Change Healthcare is a clearinghouse vendor that connects providers with insurance payers and has operations that impact the submission of Medicare claims, including CGS. At this time, there is no indication that CGS' systems were compromised. This is not a CMS or CGS incident.
We understand you are working hard to ensure your patients have continued access to care, and this matter is very concerning. CGS is gathering more information as the situation unfolds, assessing all options, and will provide updates when they become available.
What affected parties need to know:
- If your EDI clearinghouse is impacted, or you aren't sure, we recommend you check with them for further instructions.
- Part A 5010 Trading Partner Directory
- Part B 5010 Trading Partner Directory
- Home Health & Hospice 5010 Trading Partner Directory
- If you need to change your clearinghouse, please review the 5010 Trading Partner Directory above, and then reach out to our EDI department. Note: When you submit an application to change your clearinghouse, please remember to sign and add the Tax Identification Number (TIN) to the signature page to avoid a rejection.
- Part A – 1.866.590.6703, option 2
- Part B – 1.866.276.9558, option 2
- Home Health & Hospice – 1.877.299.4500, option 2
- Other options to submit Medicare claims:
- The myCGS portal is a free option for Medicare Part B providers who may already be registered to submit individual claims. Note: myCGS does not offer batch claim submission.
- The FISS DDE system is a free option for Medicare Part A and Home Health & Hospice providers who may already have access to manually key individual claims. Note: FISS DDE does not offer batch claim submission.
- Medicare offers these free claim submission and remittance advice software options:
- PC-ACE Pro32
- Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) for Part B providers
- PC Print for Part A and Home Health & Hospice providers
- Any provider impacted by this event may submit the ASCA Request Form to file a waiver to submit paper claims. Note: The payment floor for paper claims is 29 days (versus 14 days for electronic claims).
Update 03.12.2024: If you elect to submit paper claims, you may register to use the myCGS portal to access your remittance notices in PDF format.
- Update 03.19.2024: Home Health & Hospice providers: If this event caused a late NOA/NOE submission, you may follow the exception request process below. Please indicate "Change Healthcare cyberattack" in the Remarks section of the associated claim.
- Update 03.11.2024: Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) Accelerated/Advance Payments
- Press Release: CMS Statement on Continued Action to Respond to the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare
- Review the CMS Fact Sheet: Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) Accelerated Payments to Part A Providers and Advance Payments to Part B Suppliers for details about eligibility requirements, the required acknowledgement of terms and payment amount options.
- Update 03.15.2024: Refer to the Change Healthcare/Optum Payment Disruption (CHOPD) Accelerated Payments to Part A Providers and Advance Payments to Part B Suppliers Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
- If you experience cash flow problems:
- Complete the CHOPD Accelerated-Advance Payment Request Template.
- Include the signature of the authorized official that is legally able to make financial commitments and assume financial obligations on behalf of the provider (digital – signature and a facsimile (fax) request is acceptable).
- Providers/suppliers that are part of a health system may attach a list of Medicare IDs (PTANs)/NPIs to the form. The authorized representative must have authority to sign on behalf of all providers/suppliers included in the list.
- Submit the completed and signed form to one of the following:
- Email: CGS.ERS.CORR@cgsadmin.com
- Fax: 1.615.664.5949
- Mail:
CGS Administrators, LLC
ATTN: CFO Accelerated Payments
PO Box 20018
Nashville, TN 37202
- Update 04.09.2024: Administrative Relief from Medical Review
Any provider or supplier impacted by the CHOPD may request administrative relief from MR activities (e.g., extension for MR additional documentation requests (ADRs), reschedule MR education sessions, etc.).
MR contact information:- J15 Part A: J15APROBEANDEDUCATION@cgsadmin.com
- J15 Part B: J15BPROBEANDEDUCATION@cgsadmin.com
- J15 Home Health & Hospice: J15HHPROBEANDEDUCATION@cgsadmin.com
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