Funding assistance available to dentists impacted by Change Healthcare cyberattack

ADA continues to monitor resources available to affected providers

A funding assistance program is available to dentists impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare.

The Feb. 21 attack is preventing many dentists from sending electronic claims and attachments to insurance companies to receive payment. Change Healthcare, owned by UnitedHealth Group, is one of the largest health care technology companies in the U.S.

UnitedHealth launched a website with information and resources related to the cyberattack. The website includes information about the temporary funding assistance program available through Optum Financial, including eligibility criteria, and a daily update of which payers providers can reach electronically through direct or third-party clearinghouse connections.

The temporary funding assistance program is designed to help bridge the gap in short-term cash flow needs for providers impacted by the disruption of Change Healthcare’s services.

In addition to disrupting electronic claims submission, the attack is causing software issues involving patient statements. Because of this, providers may need to generate paper statements and mail them manually. The ADA recommends dental offices connect with their software vendors to find out when their services will be restored.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also released a guide with information, resources and tools from health plans and payers for providers in need of assistance. In this document, providers will find information to help them connect with payers regarding the impacts of the cyberattack; links to resources payers have set up, including guides to connect to alternate data clearinghouse services; and information on advanced payments.

For status updates on the restoration of dental-related services, visit this Change Healthcare dashboard.