Change Healthcare Cyberattack Leads to Joint Oversight Hearing in House: United’s Absence Prompts Disappointment and Possible Subpoena

The upcoming May 1 hearing at the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee will be the first time Witty makes an appearance in the House. The hearing is expected to focus on the aftermath of the Change Healthcare hack, which has put critical access for patients at risk.

In a joint statement released on Friday, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and oversight subcommittee chair Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) expressed concerns over the fallout from the cyberattack. They highlighted the financial struggles faced by individuals and smaller providers in the aftermath of the attack, which has caused disruptions in operations at various clinics and hospitals, and delayed payments to providers.

Change Healthcare, a medical claims processor that plays a significant role as a clearinghouse for data between health insurers and providers, was hit by a cyberattack in February. The impact of this attack has been widespread across the healthcare industry, leading to delays in payments to providers. While Change Healthcare is still recovering from the attack, it is hoped that they will provide testimony before Congress regarding their experience with this incident.

During a recent hearing held by the panel’s health subcommittee regarding the hack, no representatives from United were present. This prompted lawmakers to express disappointment over United’s absence, despite their acquisition of Change in 2022. Talks of a possible subpoena were raised to compel United’s presence at future hearings. Witty is also expected to provide testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in the near future as they continue their investigation into this matter.