{{short description|American healthcare claim processing company}} {{peacock|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Change Healthcare Inc. | former_name = Emdeon | type = Subsidiary | industry = Healthcare | founded = {{Start date and age|2005}} | hq_location = {{nowrap|Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.}} | key_people = | revenue = {{nowrap|{{increase}} {{US$|3.48 billion|link=yes}} (2022)}} | operating_income = {{nowrap|{{increase}} US$137 million (2022)}} | net_income = {{increase}} US${{color|red|−57}} million (2022) | assets = {{decrease}} US$9.93 billion (2022) | equity = {{increase}} US$3.28 billion (2022) | num_employees = {{circa|14,000}} (2022) | parent = UnitedHealth Group | website = {{Official website|changehealthcare.com}} | footnotes = Financials {{asof|2022|3|31|lc=y|df=US}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Change Healthcare Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1756497/000175649722000007/chng-20220331x10k.htm |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |date=2022-05-26}}</ref> }}
'''Change Healthcare Inc.''' (known as '''Emdeon''' prior to 2015) is a healthcare technology company that provides revenue cycle management and payment processing services for healthcare providers and insurers in the United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=RCM company Emdeon to rebrand |url=https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/rcm-company-emdeon-rebrand |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Healthcare Finance News |date=4 September 2015 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Change Healthcare? {{!}} Definition from TechTarget |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/definition/Change-Healthcare |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Health IT and EHR |language=en}}</ref> The business was acquired by Optum in a $13 billion deal in 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Change Healthcare Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next |url=https://www.sunsethq.com/blog/change-healthcare-acquisition |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.sunsethq.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why did UnitedHealthcare buy change healthcare? |url=https://insuredandmore.com/why-did-unitedhealthcare-buy-change-healthcare |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=insuredandmore.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Optum and Change Healthcare Complete Combination |url=https://www.optum.com/en/about-us/news/page.hub5.optum-and-change-healthcare-complete-combination.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=www.optum.com |language=en}}</ref> in an effort to combine their service operations with the aforementioned technologies that Change Healthcare Inc. headlines. Optum is a subsidiary of the UnitedHealth Group.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Optum - Health Services Innovation Company |url=https://www.optum.com/en |access-date=2026-05-22 |website=www.optum.com |language=en}}</ref>
The company's headquarters are in Nashville, Tennessee, with multiple locations throughout the world such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Change Healthcare? {{!}} Definition from TechTarget |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchhealthit/definition/Change-Healthcare |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Health IT and EHR |language=en}}</ref>
== History== ===Change Healthcare (2007)=== Change Healthcare was established in Brentwood, Tennessee, in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGee |first=Jamie |title=Emdeon buys Change Healthcare for $135M |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2014/11/19/emdeon-buys-change-healthcare/19306989/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}}</ref> The company was founded by Christopher Parks and Robert Hendrick<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bryant|first1=Linda|title=Guardian of the Culture|url=http://nashvillepost.com/news/2013/11/10/guardian_of_the_culture|publisher=Nashville Post|date=November 10, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2014|archive-date=March 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327100553/http://nashvillepost.com/news/2013/11/10/guardian_of_the_culture|url-status=live}}</ref> with MedBill Manager. In January 2010, the company launched the Change Healthcare Engagement Platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-22 |title=Change Healthcare unveils new patient engagement tools |url=https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/change-healthcare-unveils-new-patient-engagement-tools |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=Healthcare IT News |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2011, Howard McLure,<ref>{{cite news|title=Former CVS/Caremark Leader to Be CEO of Brentwood Firm|work=Nashville Post|date=May 3, 2011}}</ref> a former president of CVS Caremark, came out of retirement to become the chairman and CEO of Change Healthcare. Doug Ghertner joined the company as president in July 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Executive Profile: Douglas Ghertner|work=Nashville Business Journal|date=June 1, 2012}}</ref>
In December 2011, Change Healthcare closed a round of financing led by Mitsui, Sandbox Industries, Blue Cross Blue Shield Venture Partners, and West Health Investment Fund. In September 2012, Ghertner was promoted to president and CEO, with McLure assuming the role of executive chairman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Healthcare |first=Change |title=Change Healthcare Names Douglas Ghertner Chief Executive Officer |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/change-healthcare-names-douglas-ghertner-chief-executive-officer-171523891.html |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2013, Change Healthcare closed on a round of Series D funding led by HLM Investment Partners, including new investor Noro-Moseley Partners, which invested $15 million into the company.<ref>{{cite news|title=Change Healthcare Announces $15 Million in Funding for Personalized Healthcare Information Business|work=Philanthropy News Digest|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> In 2013, Modern Healthcare included the company on its annual list of "100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare", which evaluates employee benefits and workplace policies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Modern Healthcare's 2013 Best Places to Work in Healthcare|issue=August 14, 2013|work=Modern Healthcare}}</ref>
=== Emdeon === In 2004, WebMD Corporation acquired Dakota Imaging, Inc., and ViPS, Inc.<ref name="Lee2009">{{cite book|last=Lee|first=In|title=Emergent Strategies for E-business Processes, Services, and Implications: Advancing Corporate Frameworks|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8KEdAgAAQBAJ|year=2009|publisher=IGI Global Snippet|isbn=9781605661551}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=How do any of these companies relate to the article?|date=January 2026}}
Until August 2005, Emdeon operated under the name WebMD Corporation (NASDAQ: HLTH). The name was changed to Emdeon to avoid confusion with its then-subsidiary WebMD, which began trading publicly under the stock symbol WBMD in September 2005.<ref name="Pasiuk2006">{{cite book|editor=Pasiuk, Laurie|title=Vault Guide to the Top Internet Industry Employers|url=https://archive.org/details/vaultguidetotopi00vaul|url-access=registration|year=2006|publisher=Vault Inc.|isbn=9781581313840|page=[https://archive.org/details/vaultguidetotopi00vaul/page/237 237]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.himss.org/asp/ContentRedirector.asp?ContentId=65146 |title=WEBMD Corporation to Be Renamed EMDEON Corporation |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607000519/http://www.himss.org/asp/ContentRedirector.asp?ContentId=65146 |archivedate=2012-06-07 }} Healthcare Information and Management Systems, August 4, 2005.</ref>
The company acquired numerous businesses between 2010 and 2014:
* In May 2009, the company acquired The Sentinel Group, a vendor of software and investigation services to combat healthcare fraud.<ref>{{cite web |title=Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of May 8, 2009 |url=https://www.alxtel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Health-IT-Business-News-Roundup.webp |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206173924/https://www.alxtel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Health-IT-Business-News-Roundup.webp |archivedate=2022-12-06}} IHealthBeat, May 8, 2009.</ref> * In January 2010, the company acquired Future Vision Investment Group, L.L.C. (FVTech), a provider of outsourced services specializing in electronic data conversion and information management solutions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/01/25/daily9.html|title=Emdeon buys FutureVision, expects electronic billing boost|date=January 26, 2010|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=July 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714155246/https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/01/25/daily9.html|url-status=live}} Nashville Business Journal, January 26, 2010.</ref> * In March 2010, the company acquired Healthcare Technology Management Services, Inc. (HTMS), a management consulting company focused primarily on the healthcare payer market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EFVTNO0.htm |title=Emdeon health care payment co to buy consultancy |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213051252/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EFVTNO0.htm |archivedate=2015-02-13 }} Bloomberg Businessweek, March 16, 2010.</ref> * In June 2010, the company acquired Chapin Revenue Cycle Management, LLC (Chapin), a technology-enabled provider of accounts receivable denial and recovery services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/emdeon-acquires-chapin-better-addressing-hospital-based-claims-and-payment-recovery|title=Emdeon acquires Chapin, better addressing hospital-based claims and payment recovery|work=Healthcare IT News |date=24 June 2010|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714155246/https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/emdeon-acquires-chapin-better-addressing-hospital-based-claims-and-payment-recovery|url-status=live}} HealthcareITNews, June 24, 2010</ref> * In August 2010, the company acquired Interactive Payer Network (IPN), a technology service provider that acts as an outsourcing partner for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant healthcare electronic data interchange (EDI).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scott-macon.com/announcements/interactive-payer-network-is-acquired-by-emdeon/|title=Emdeon acquires IPN|work=Scott-Macon |access-date=2020-12-12|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809022427/https://www.scott-macon.com/announcements/interactive-payer-network-is-acquired-by-emdeon/|url-status=live}}Scott-Macon's Healthcare Industry Group, August 31, 2010</ref> * In October 2010, the company obtained Chamberlin Edmonds & Associates, Inc. (CEA), a technology-enabled provider of government program eligibility and enrollment services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-medical.net/news/20101004/Emdeon-acquires-Chamberlin-Edmonds.aspx|title=Emdeon acquires Chamberlin Edmonds|date=4 October 2010|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-date=25 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025074844/https://www.news-medical.net/news/20101004/Emdeon-acquires-Chamberlin-Edmonds.aspx|url-status=live}} News Medical, October 4, 2010</ref> * In May 2011, the company acquired EquiClaim, a provider of healthcare audit and recovery services for commercial and government payers, from MultiPlan, Inc.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=agO.Bu7qGAPo|title=Emdeon Acquires EquiClaim to Expand Its Suite of Payment Integrity Solutions|work=Bloomberg|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=2015-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173507/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=agO.Bu7qGAPo|url-status=live}} Bloomberg, May 3, 2011.</ref> * In May 2012, the company acquired TC3 Health, a cost containment provider that included payment integrity and out-of-network claims cost management for U.S. healthcare payers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20120507/NEWS/305079987|title=TC3 Health acquired by Emdeon|date=4 October 2010|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714155247/https://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20120507/NEWS/305079987/tc3-health-acquired-by-emdeon|url-status=live}} Modern Healthcare, May 7, 2012.</ref> * In June 2013, the company acquired Gold Health Systems, a healthcare management organization that specializes in providing pharmacy benefits and related services primarily to State Medicaid agencies across the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investors.emdeon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=230807&p=irol-newsArticle&id=1829401|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131011231839/http://investors.emdeon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=230807&p=irol-newsArticle&id=1829401|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-10-11|title=Emdeon Acquires Goold Health Systems}}</ref> * In July 2014, the company acquired Capario, a healthcare technology provider.<ref>{{Cite press release|title = Emdeon to Acquire Capario to Enhance Its Revenue Management Platform|url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emdeon-to-acquire-capario-to-enhance-its-revenue-management-platform-264222901.html|website = www.prnewswire.com|accessdate = 2015-11-08|archive-date = 2016-01-28|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160128170746/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emdeon-to-acquire-capario-to-enhance-its-revenue-management-platform-264222901.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
In August 2011, Emdeon was taken private for $3 billion by the Blackstone Group.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-04/blackstone-to-buy-health-care-biller-emdeon-in-deal-valued-at-3-billion.html|title=Blackstone Group Agrees to Acquire Medical-Biller Emdeon for $3 Billion|work=Bloomberg|first1=Alex|last1=Nussbaum|first2=Jason|last2=Kelly|date=August 4, 2011|access-date=2018-04-19|archive-date=2015-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111154101/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-04/blackstone-to-buy-health-care-biller-emdeon-in-deal-valued-at-3-billion.html|url-status=live}} Bloomberg, August 4, 2011</ref> Blackstone's offer of $19 per Emdeon share was backed by committed financing from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, and Citigroup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emdeon-idUKTRE7733Y720110804|title=Blackstone to take Emdeon private for $3 billion|work=Reuters|date=August 4, 2011|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=September 11, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911124641/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/04/us-emdeon-idUKTRE7733Y720110804|url-status=live}} Reuters, August 4, 2011</ref> Emdeon shares rose 13.6% the morning after the acquisition. Shares had risen 31% over the year prior to the announcement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/blackstone-to-buy-emdeon-for-3-billion/|title=Blackstone to buy Emdeon for $3 Billion|work=The New York Times|date=August 4, 2011|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010716/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/blackstone-to-buy-emdeon-for-3-billion/|url-status=live}} DealBook, August 4, 2011.</ref>
In November 2014, Change Healthcare was acquired by Emdeon for $135 million.<ref>{{Cite news|author = Holly Fletcher|title = Emdeon buys payment platform from Alegeus|url = http://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/health-care/2014/12/15/emdeon-buys-payment-platform-alegeus/20443465/|work = Tennessean|date = December 15, 2014|accessdate = 2017-10-24|archive-date = 2022-07-14|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220714155247/https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/health-care/2014/12/15/emdeon-buys-payment-platform-alegeus/20443465/|url-status = live}}</ref> In November 2015, Emdeon rebranded to Change Healthcare.<ref name=":0" />
In December 2014, the company acquired Admin Source Communication Inc.<ref name=tennesseanalegeus>{{Cite web|title = Emdeon buys payment platform from Alegeus|url = http://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/health-care/2014/12/15/emdeon-buys-payment-platform-alegeus/20443465/|website = The Tennessean|accessdate = 2015-11-08|archive-date = 2022-07-14|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220714155247/https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/industries/health-care/2014/12/15/emdeon-buys-payment-platform-alegeus/20443465/|url-status = live}}</ref> In August 2015, the company acquired Altegra Health, which was a provider of technology and intervention platforms that combine data aggregation and analytics with member engagement and reporting capabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/DJFLBO0120150706eb76lg0ty |title=Emdeon to Acquire Altegra Health for $910M |date=2015-07-06 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release|title = Emdeon to Acquire Altegra Health|url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emdeon-to-acquire-altegra-health-300108906.html|website = www.prnewswire.com|accessdate = 2015-11-08|archive-date = 2015-10-27|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151027030154/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emdeon-to-acquire-altegra-health-300108906.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
In June 2016, McKesson Corporation and Change Healthcare Holdings Inc. announced the creation of a new healthcare company that combined substantially all of Change Healthcare's business with the majority of McKesson's Information technology unit. McKesson owns approximately 70% of the new company, with the remaining equity stake held by Change Healthcare stockholders. The new company retained the Change Healthcare name.<ref>{{cite news|last1=De Lombaerde|first1=Geert|title=Change, McKesson division joining forces|url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/health-care/information-technology/article/20826776/change-mckesson-division-joining-forces|publisher=Nashville Post|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301225339/https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/health-care/information-technology/article/20826776/change-mckesson-division-joining-forces|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2018, it was reported that Change Healthcare Corporation had hired underwriters and investment banks in preparation for an initial public offering (IPO) planned for the 2018–2019 time frame. On June 27, 2019, Change Healthcare Inc. began trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol CHNG, offering up to 49.2 million shares at $13 per share and raising over $640 million through its IPO.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2019/06/27/change-healthcares-shares-debut-below-target.html |title=Change Healthcare's shares debut below target |date=2019-06-27 |work=American City Business Journals |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001043527/https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2019/06/27/change-healthcares-shares-debut-below-target.html |archive-date=2020-10-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2018, Change Healthcare acquired the intellectual property and other key assets, including employees, of Charleston-based healthcare IT startup PokitDok.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/health-care/information-technology/article/21037710/change-healthcare-buys-pokitdok-assets|title=Change Healthcare buys PokitDok assets|website=Nashville Post|date=19 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-19|archive-date=2018-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219200552/https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/health-care/information-technology/article/21037710/change-healthcare-buys-pokitdok-assets|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2021, UnitedHealth Group's Optum Insight unit agreed to acquire Change Healthcare in a deal valued at $13{{nbsp}}billion, including assuming $5{{nbsp}}billion of the latter's debt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-06/unitedhealth-to-purchase-change-healthcare-in-13-billion-deal |title=UnitedHealth to Purchase Change Healthcare for $8 Billion |date=2021-01-06 |work=Bloomberg News |last=Tozzi |first=John |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210107021921/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-06/unitedhealth-to-purchase-change-healthcare-in-13-billion-deal |archive-date=2021-01-07 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> Following delays due to regulatory scrutiny,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/09/19/unitedhealth-change-doj-claimsxten-antitrust-trial |title=UnitedHealth beats Justice Dept on $13 billion merger |date=2022-09-19 |website=Axios |last=Pringle |first=Sarah}}</ref> the acquisition closed on October 3, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-health-business-minnesota-us-department-of-justice-55f01b05097e6e57716d6263275a5e3d|title=UnitedHealth closes roughly $8B deal for Change Healthcare|work=Associated Press|date=2022-10-03}}</ref>
In 2022, Change Healthcare and Luma Health partnered to launch a patient engagement service aimed at improving healthcare communication and access.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Change Healthcare, in Collaboration with Luma Health, Launches Patient Engagement, a Suite of Technology Solutions to Unify the Patient Healthcare Journey |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/change-healthcare-in-collaboration-with-luma-health-launches-patient-engagement-a |website=nasdaq.com}}</ref>
=== 2024 cyberattack === On February 21, 2024, the company was hit by a cyberattack that prevented payouts to doctors on the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Satter |first1=Raphael |last2=Roy |first2=Sriparna |last3=Satter |first3=Raphael |last4=Roy |first4=Sriparna |title=Pharmacies across US disrupted following hack at Change Healthcare network |work=Reuters |date=23 February 2024 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/change-healthcare-network-hit-by-cybersecurity-attack-2024-02-22/ |access-date=2024-04-05}}</ref><ref name="cyberattack">{{Cite news |last1=Tahir |first1=Darius |last2=Wolfson |first2=Bernard J. |last3=Chang |first3=Daniel |date=9 March 2024 |title=Health industry struggles to recover from cyberattack on a unit of UnitedHealth |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/03/09/1237038928/health-industry-ransomware-cyberattack-change-healthcare-optum-uhc-united |work=NPR}}</ref> As a result of the attack, electronic payments and medical claims could not be processed by UnitedHealth Group, leading to widespread disruption.<ref name="cyberattack" /><ref name="struggle">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-06 |title=Patients struggle to get lifesaving medication after cyberattack on a major health care company |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/cyberattack-change-healthcare-patients-struggle-get-medication-rcna141841 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Patients were forced to pay for many of their medications out of pocket instead of using medication coupons or co-pays.<ref name="struggle" /> Many healthcare providers claimed significant revenue losses as a result of the disruption, up to $100 million per day,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-12 |title=Health care providers may be losing up to $100 million a day from cyberattack. A doctor shares the latest - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/change-healthcare-cyberattack-losing-up-to-100m-a-day/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> putting some in danger of insolvency.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tozzi |first1=John |last2=Swetlitz |first2=Ike |last3=Griffin |first3=Riley |date=13 March 2024 |title=Cancer Clinics Face Cash Crunch After Hack Rocks US Health Care |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-13/change-healthcare-cyber-attack-leaves-cancer-clinics-reeling?embedded-checkout=true |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> As a result of the cyberattack, HHS opened a civil rights investigation regarding patient privacy concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Affairs (ASPA) |first=Assistant Secretary for Public |date=2024-03-13 |title=HHS Office for Civil Rights Issues Letter and Opens Investigation of Change Healthcare Cyberattack |url=https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/13/hhs-office-civil-rights-issues-letter-opens-investigation-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313181029/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/13/hhs-office-civil-rights-issues-letter-opens-investigation-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 13, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.hhs.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-14 |title=HHS opens investigation into Change Healthcare cyberattack |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hhs-opens-investigation-change-healthcare-163158107.html |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref> Because of the large number of patients affected (190 million),<ref>{{cite web | vauthors=Olsen E | title=UnitedHealth hikes number of Change cyberattack breach victims to 190M | url=https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/change-healthcare-attack-affects-190-million/738369/}} Cybersecurity Dive. Jan 27, 2025.</ref> researchers have raised concerns about the cybersecurity and national security risks posed by the extreme market concentration in the healthcare payments processing market.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kanter GP, Rekowski JR, Kannarkat JT | title=Lessons from the Change Healthcare ransomware attack | journal=JAMA Health Forum | date=2024 | volume=5 | issue=9 | pages=e242764 | doi=10.1001/jamahealthforum.2024.2764 | pmid=39302668 | url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2823757| doi-access=free }} JAMA Health Forum 2024; 5(9):e242764.</ref>
On February 22, 2024, UnitedHealth Group filed a notice to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that a "suspected nation-state associated cybersecurity threat actor" gained access to Change Healthcare's information technology system. Following UnitedHealth Group's initial filing, CVS Health, Walgreens, Publix, GoodRx, and BlueCross BlueShield of Montana reported disruptions in insurance claims.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Satter |first1=Raphael |last2=Roy |first2=Sriparna |date=February 22, 2024 |title=Pharmacies across US disrupted following hack at Change Healthcare network |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/change-healthcare-network-hit-by-cybersecurity-attack-2024-02-22/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> Other companies affected by the cyber attack include Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton<ref>{{Cite web |last=Czachor |first=Emily |date=February 22, 2024 |title=Cybersecurity breach at UnitedHealth subsidiary causes Rx delays for some pharmacies |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cybersecurity-issue-united-health-change-healthcare-pharamcies-prescription-delays/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |publisher=CBS News}}</ref> and Athenahealth.<ref name="TheRegisterInfo">{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Jessica |date=February 22, 2024 |title=Cyberattack downs pharmacies across America |url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/22/change_healthcare_outage/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |work=The Register}}</ref>
On February 29, 2024, UnitedHealth Group confirmed that the ransomware attack was "perpetrated by a cyber crime threat actor who...represented itself to [the company] as ALPHV/Blackcat." The company stated that it was "working closely with law enforcement and leading third-party consultants, Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks" to address the matter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Optum Solutions Status |url=https://status.changehealthcare.com/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=status.changehealthcare.com}}</ref>
On March 4, 2024, Reuters reported that a bitcoin payment equivalent to nearly USD $22 million had been made to a cryptocurrency wallet "associated with ALPHV." United Health did not comment on the payment, instead stating that the organization was "focused on the investigation and the recovery."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Satter |first=Raphael |date=5 March 2024 |title=Hacker forum post claims UnitedHealth paid $22 mln ransom in bid to recover data |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/hacker-forum-post-claims-unitedhealth-paid-22-mln-ransom-bid-recover-data-2024-03-05/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> On the same day, a Wired reporter stated that the transaction looked "very much like a large ransom payment."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Greenberg |first=Andy |date=4 March 2024 |title=Hackers Behind the Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack Just Received a $22 Million Payment |url=https://www.wired.com/story/alphv-change-healthcare-ransomware-payment/ |magazine=Wired}}</ref>
As of March 18, 2024, UnitedHealth Group had advanced payments of over $2 billion in assistance to healthcare providers affected by the cybersecurity attack. In addition, some services had been restored, including Change Healthcare's payment processing platform and pharmacy network.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 19, 2024 |title=UnitedHealth says advanced over $2 bln in payments to providers |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/unitedhealth-says-advanced-over-2-bln-payments-providers-2024-03-18/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref>
==== Response ==== On March 1, 2024, UnitedHealth Group's Optum division launched a Temporary Funding Assistance Program to assist with short-term cash flow needs for providers who received payments that were processed by Change Healthcare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UnitedHealth Group Update on Change Healthcare Cyberattack |url=https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/2024/2024-03-07-uhg-update-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.unitedhealthgroup.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Temporary Funding Assistance |url=https://www.optum.com/en/business/providers/health-systems/payments-lending-solutions/optum-pay/temporary-funding-assistance.html |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.optum.com}}</ref> The American Hospital Association (AHA) criticized the program due to its terms and conditions, specifically Optum's ability to recoup funds "immediately and without prior notification" and to "change the agreement simply by providing notice."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-06 |title=AHA Expresses Concerns with UHG Program in Response to Cyberattack on Change Healthcare {{!}} AHA |url=https://www.aha.org/lettercomment/2024-03-04-aha-expresses-concerns-uhg-program-response-cyberattack-change-healthcare |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.aha.org |language=en}}</ref>
On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced financial flexibility for hospitals impacted by the attack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Affairs (ASPA) |first=Assistant Secretary for Public |date=2024-03-05 |title=HHS Statement Regarding the Cyberattack on Change Healthcare |url=https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/05/hhs-statement-regarding-the-cyberattack-on-change-healthcare.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240312105255/https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/05/hhs-statement-regarding-the-cyberattack-on-change-healthcare.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2024 |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.hhs.gov |language=en}}</ref> The American Hospital Association (AHA) was critical of these measures, stating that the proposed flexibility was "not an adequate whole of government response."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-06 |title=HHS Announces Some Flexibilities for Hospitals Following Cyberattack on Change Healthcare {{!}} AHA |url=https://www.aha.org/special-bulletin/2024-03-05-hhs-announces-some-flexibilities-hospitals-following-cyberattack-change-healthcare |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.aha.org |language=en}}</ref>
On March 12, 2024, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty was summoned to a meeting by the Biden administration, which was attended by healthcare providers across the sector. During this meeting, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and White House domestic policy chief Neera Tanden urged UnitedHealth Group leadership to increase the amount of funding available to impacted providers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Diamond |first=Dan |date=2024-03-12 |title=White House summons UnitedHealth CEO as payment paralysis enters 3rd week |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/03/12/unitedhealth-change-healthcare-white-house-becerra-hhs/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyngaas |first=Sean |date=2024-03-12 |title=Biden officials press health care giant to get emergency funding flowing to providers following cyberattack {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/12/tech/cyberattack-healthcare-payments-biden-unitedhealth/index.html |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>
As of April 16, 2024, UnitedHealth Group had advanced payments of over $6 billion in assistance to healthcare providers affected by the cybersecurity attack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |date=2024-04-16 |title=UnitedHealth beats on revenue despite impact from cyberattack |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/unitedhealth-group-unh-q1-2024-earnings.html |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
On May 1, 2024, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty testified before the Senate Finance Committee, and on May 2, before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, regarding the cyberattack. Witty confirmed that the attackers gained access through a Citrix remote access portal that lacked multi-factor authentication.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/unitedhealth-ceo-tell-senate-utilised-all-available-logs-hack-probe-2024-04-30/ |title=UnitedHealth CEO to face tough questions from Senate panel on hack |publisher=Reuters |date=2024-04-30 |access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/01/unitedhealth-ceo-change-healthcare-hack-senate/ |title=UnitedHealth CEO grilled by Senate over hack that compromised data of a third of Americans |publisher=The Washington Post |date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref> According to Witty's testimony, the attackers first accessed Change Healthcare systems on February 12, 2024, and moved laterally for nine days, exfiltrating approximately six terabytes of data before deploying ransomware on February 21.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/hacking-americas-health-care-assessing-the-change-healthcare-cyber-attack-and-whats-next |title=Hacking America's Health Care: Assessing the Change Healthcare Cyber Attack and What's Next |publisher=United States Senate Committee on Finance |date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2026-03-04}}</ref> In December 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated dozens of class action lawsuits arising from the breach into multi-district litigation (MDL No. 3108) in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, proceeding on two tracks: one for individuals whose data was compromised and another for healthcare providers seeking damages related to service disruptions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/change-healthcare-data-breach-lawsuits-consolidated-minnesota-2024-10-03/ |title=Change Healthcare data breach lawsuits consolidated in Minnesota |publisher=Reuters |date=2024-10-03 |access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref>
On May 13, 2025, an RFI (Request For Information) was issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following an order from President Donald Trump. The RFI sought to identify regulations implemented prior to Trump's presidency that could be considered unnecessary. This order, also known as a "10-to-1 deregulation order," aimed to modify regulatory frameworks affecting interactions among patients, consumers, healthcare providers, and corporations to maintain and expand public healthcare services.<ref>HHS Press Office (May 13, 2025)[https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fda-10-to-1-deregulatory-plan-to-lower-costs-empower-patients.html hhs.gov/press-room/fda-10-to-1-deregulatory-plan-to-lower-costs-empower-patients] HHS.gov. Retrieved 2025-13-05. </ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Finance links historical | name = Change Healthcare Inc. | symbol = CHNG | sec_cik = 0001756497 }}
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