WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting that the agency and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take specific actions following the cyber-attack on Change Healthcare. The attack has resulted in Change Healthcare shutting down specific systems and many other integrated health care platforms have disconnected from Change Healthcare. As a result, many long term and post-acute care providers across the country are experiencing issues with processing claim submissions and billing activities.
In the letter, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson asks HHS and CMS to announce that the situation meets the criteria for issuing Accelerated Payments through the Medicare program; instruct Medicare Administrative Contractors to notify providers of the Accelerated Payment policy; and to encourage Medicare Advantage plans to provide a similar advanced payment option, among other actions.
“Timely payments are essential for facilities to maintain daily operations and to keep their doors open for residents and patients, and we request your support for providers to access accelerated payments," writes Parkinson.
Read the full letter HERE.