NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers opened a hearing on the Change Healthcare Cyberattack with strong words directed at the company's CEO, Mr. Witty. She expressed her disappointment at the company's initial refusal to testify, emphasizing the importance of protecting users in light of the cyberattack on Change Healthcare.

Rodgers highlighted the critical role Change Healthcare plays in the healthcare system, processing billions of medical claims annually. She underscored the significant responsibility that comes with overseeing such a vital operation, especially considering the personal and sensitive data at stake.

Regarding the consequences of the cyberattack, Rodgers pointed out that the disruption caused by the breach is still ongoing, with services yet to be fully restored. She criticized the company for its lack of basic cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication, which could have prevented the breach. Rodgers also raised concerns about the decision to pay a ransom to the hackers, noting that it did not prevent the data leak.

The fallout from the cyberattack has had a severe impact on healthcare providers, particularly smaller practices. Rodgers noted that many providers are struggling to process claims, leading to uncompensated care and potential closures. She called for swift action to address these issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, Rodgers emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from Change Healthcare in addressing the cyberattack and its aftermath. She stressed that the American people, especially those directly affected by the breach, deserve answers and reassurance that their data will be safeguarded in the future.