Change Health Outages Requires Swift Federal Response

AMGA Calls on CMS to Include Part B Providers in Accelerated Payments

Alexandria, VA – AMGA today urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to open the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) program to physicians and other Part B providers harmed by the recent Change Healthcare cybersecurity attack. The attack has resulted in a number of problems for AMGA members, including billing and cash flow disruptions, prior authorization transmission problems, and remittal problems for electronic prescriptions. AMGA appreciates CMS is working with the healthcare community to respond to the attack, but it is vital the response includes all provider types. 

“AMGA members are working first and foremost to ensure patient safety and continued access to care and vital medications,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “But providers simply do not have the financial resources to go too long without a functioning claims processing system. During COVID-19, CMS provided critical funding to providers to sustain operations. The same needs to happen now.”

CMS has indicated it recognizes providers may face cash flow issues due to the cybersecurity attack. AGMA strongly recommends CMS indicate as soon as possible that AAP funds will be available to both Part A and Part B providers.

AMGA’s letter is available on AMGA’s website.

###

About AMGA

AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of healthcare in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans. 

AMGA represents medical groups and integrated systems of care. Its diverse membership includes multispecialty medical groups, integrated delivery systems, accountable care organizations, and other entities committed to improving healthcare outcomes. AMGA advocates for the formation of innovative, clinically integrated systems of care that advance population health, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs. For more information, please visit www.amga.org.