Current:Home > StocksUnitedHealth says wide swath of patient files may have been taken in Change cyberattack -InfiniteWealth
UnitedHealth says wide swath of patient files may have been taken in Change cyberattack
View
Date:2025-04-15 21:27:16
UnitedHealth says files with personal information that could cover a “substantial portion of people in America” may have been taken in the cyberattack earlier this year on its Change Healthcare business.
The company said Monday after markets closed that it sees no signs that doctor charts or full medical histories were released after the attack. But it may take several months of analysis before UnitedHealth can identify and notify people who were affected.
UnitedHealth did say that some screen shots containing protected health information or personally identifiable information were posted for about a week online on the dark web, which standard browsers can’t access.
The company is still monitoring the internet and dark web and said there has been no addition file publication. It has started a website to answer questions and a call center. But the company said it won’t be able to offer specifics on the impact to individual data.
The company also is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for people affected by the attack.
UnitedHealth bought Change Healthcare in a roughly $8 billion deal that closed in 2022 after surviving a challenge from federal regulators. The U.S. Department of Justice had sued earlier that year to block the deal, arguing that it would hurt competition by putting too much information about health care claims in the hands of one company.
UnitedHealth said in February that a ransomware group had gained access to some of the systems of its Change Healthcare business, which provides technology used to submit and process insurance claims.
The attack disrupted payment and claims processing around the country, stressing doctor’s offices and health care systems.
Federal civil rights investigators are already looking into whether protected health information was exposed in the attack.
UnitedHealth said Monday that it was still restoring services disrupted by the attack. It has been focused first on restoring those that affect patient access to care or medication.
The company said both pharmacy services and medical claims were back to near normal levels. It said payment process was back to about 86% of pre-attack levels.
UnitedHealth said last week when it reported first-quarter results that the company has provided more than $6 billion in advance funding and interest-free loans to health care providers affected by the attack.
UnitedHealth took an $872 million hit from from the cyberattack in the first quarter, and company officials said that could grow beyond $1.5 billion for the year.
Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. runs one of the nation’s largest health insurers. It also runs one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits management businesses, provides care and offers technology services.
Company slipped nearly $3 to $488.36 in midday trading Tuesday while broader indexes climbed.
veryGood! (35552)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- See Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix's Dark Transformations in Joker: Folie à Deux First Trailer
- Morgan Wallen defends Taylor Swift from booing fans after joke about the singer's Eras tour
- Beyoncé's daughter Rumi breaks Blue Ivy's record as youngest female to chart on Hot 100
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Messi's revenge game: Here's why Inter Miami vs. Monterrey is must-watch TV
- 'Fallout' is coming to Prime earlier than expected: Release date, time, cast, how to watch
- 2 Mississippi businessmen found not guilty in pandemic relief fraud trial
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Zendaya graces American and British Vogue covers in rare feat ahead of 'Challengers' movie
Ranking
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Democrats Daniels and Figures stress experience ahead of next week’s congressional runoff
- Who's in 2024 NHL playoffs? Tracking standings, playoff race, tiebreakers, scenarios
- Ex-Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg to be sentenced for perjury, faces second stint in jail
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Former assistant principal charged with child neglect in case of 6-year-old boy who shot teacher
- Jay Leno granted conservatorship over estate of wife Mavis Leno amid dementia battle
- As medical perils from abortion bans grow, so do opportunities for Democrats in a post-Roe world
Recommendation
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Why Travis Kelce Thinks Taylor Swift Falling For Him Is a Glitch
Some Gulf Coast states schools, government offices close for severe weather, possible tornadoes
John Calipari hired as new Arkansas men's basketball coach
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Ladybird
Former assistant principal charged with child neglect in case of 6-year-old boy who shot teacher
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon calls for US to strengthen position as world leader