What is Change Healthcare?
Change Healthcare (CHC), a division of UnitedHealth Group, is a healthcare technology company that processes insurance claims and billing for an estimated 50% of U.S. medical claims. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System utilized CHC to handle transactions between payors and providers across the system.
What happened to the data?
In February 2024, Change Healthcare experienced a cyberattack within its computer system. Following the attack, Change Healthcare began an investigation and confirmed that data files had been withdrawn from their environment and personal information of patients had been compromised.
Who is affected by the breach?
In April, Change Healthcare reported the data could cover a substantial number of people in America. In October, it was confirmed this ransomware attack affected at least 100 million individuals – almost one-third of the population of the United States. Change Healthcare has notified SRHS that our patients are included.
What to Do Now
Change Healthcare is sending notifications to patient via mail and will continue this on a rolling basis. While Change Healthcare completes the data review and notification processes, here are some things you can do to protect yourself.
- Be on the lookout and regularly monitor the explanation of benefits statements you receive from your health plan and statements from your health care providers, as well as your bank and credit card statements, credit reports and tax returns, to check for any unfamiliar activity.
- If you notice any health care services you did not receive listed on an explanation of benefits statement, please contact your health plan or doctor.
- If you notice any suspicious activity on either your bank or credit card statements or on your tax returns, please immediately contact your financial institution and/or credit card company or relevant agency.
- If you believe you are the victim of a crime, you can contact your local law enforcement authorities and file a police report.
Still have questions?
Change Healthcare’s online notice, including FAQs and additional information related to the breach can be found here. You can reach Change Healthcare’s dedicated call center at 1-866-262-5342.