LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — In February, Change Healthcare was the victim of a major cyber attack that also affected its Medicare partner.
While they resolved the issue, Deborah Huff was forced to pay for her medication out of pocket and then apply for reimbursement, a process that was no easy feat.
“Despite the fact that I sent it where I was told to send it, including sending my dispute papers and sending them to the wrong location,” Huff said.
Huff said he followed all the instructions he was given, but they weren’t always correct.
Past coverage:Lynchburg woman speaks out amid medical cyber attack
For months, she kept calling one call after another, only to be told there was no answer.
“When something like this happens, don’t be afraid to go after it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If they say it will take a few weeks, write it down and check back in a few weeks.”
ABC13 asked local lawmakers what they’re doing to prevent something like this from happening again.
“If you neglect cybersecurity, you probably have to pay a fine for putting people in a place like that,” said Rep. Morgan Griffiths. “There’s been a lot of talk about that, but I haven’t seen any concrete legislation.”
“We’re not doing anything organically,” said Sen. Mark Warner. “What’s notable is that Change was owned by United Healthcare, one of our country’s largest healthcare providers, and if they don’t have proper cybersecurity standards, who will? ”
Warner said there are certainly laws regarding minimum standards for cybersecurity.
Huff said she has heard nothing from Change Healthcare throughout this process and was unable to contact anyone.
ABC 13 was unable to reach anyone at the company for comment.
