Change Healthcare Cyber Attack

T & T participated in a zoom conference today regarding the Change Healthcare cyber attack and what the latest updates are.

In case some providers are not aware, the attack occurred 2/21/24.  The group that attacked is called Blackcat Ransomware.  This organization has infiltrated government, healthcare, emergency services and manufacturing systems, to name a few.  Change Healthcare has been working closely with Blackcat and law enforcement to resolve the issue.  

The Blackcat organization has claimed to have 6 TB of data from healthcare organizations which include personal information, health records, payment information and insurance records.  Change Healthcare has not been able to confirm how much data has been breached and what information has been breached.  Change Healthcare has 60 days to report the breach and exactly what information has been compromised.

Since this breach has been in the national news and it hasn't been confirmed exactly what information has been breached and for whom, providers can use their own discretion in alerting patients of the breach.  Again, Change Healthcare has 60 to officially report.

T & T has been advised by our billing software what insurance companies have been compromised.  I have attached a list of the companies we are 100% aware of.  The green shaded companies were compromised and rerouted through a different clearinghouse.  The non green shaded companies are still being worked on to be rerouted.  If a company is not listed, claims are being processed as normal, for now.  T & T has continued submitting claims since 2/21/24 and will continue.  As we receive updates, we will do our best to update you.  Thank you.

Maryland Medicaid makes a behavioral health vendor change

 Maryland Medicaid has announced Carelon Behavioral Health will be the Administrative Service Organization for the Public Behavioral Health System effective January 1, 2025.  Maryland Medicaid will no longer use Optum Maryland as the behavioral health vendor.  The transition process includes transferring authorizations, claims payment processing, participant history, and other information and materials from Optum Maryland to Carelon.  T & T will post further updates as they are released.  

Any questions regarding this announcement can be directed to: mdh.mabehavioralhealth@maryland.gov

Northwell Direct

Northwell Direct updated the network they use for mental health claims.  Claims prior to 2024 were processed and sent to Magnacare.  Starting in 2024 claims will now be sent and processed to HealthComp P.O.Box 2920 Milwaukee WI 53201-2920 Payer ID 36149

Place of service 10

 Medicare will begin accepting claims with place of service 10 for mental health telehealth services when provided while patient is located in their homes.  This place of service goes in effect 1/1/2024.  Applicable modifiers will still be accepted.

Empire BCBS will begin managing behavioral health services through Carelon

If you are a participating BCBS provider, your contract will be merged with Carelon (ie you will now be a participating provider with Carelon for BCBS clients.)  Get more information at:  https://providernews.empireblue.com/article/notice-of-assignment-of-your-empire-provider-agreement-to-beacon

NYS Medicaid approves credentialing for LCSWs, LMHCs and LMFTs

NYS Medicaid has approved credentialing for LCSW, LMHCs and LMFTs.  This will enable NYS providers to be reimbursed for services when patients are covered through Medicare and Medicaid as a secondary or patients who only have Medicaid.   Below is the link to the provider manual.  Please contact T & T for credentialing assistance and fee schedule information at 888.364.3858 or info@ttmedbill.com

 https://www.emedny.org/ProviderManuals/LMHP/PDFS/LCSW_LMHC_LMFT_Policy_Manual.pdf

Medicare approves credentialing of LPCs, LMHCs and LMFTs

 On December 2022, Congress approved the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (S.828/

H.R.432) and was signed into law by President Biden. This bill allows LPCs, LMHCs and LMFTs to enroll as providers in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Medicare providers.  Enrollment will begin January 2024.  Contact T & T Medical Billing for credentialing assistance 888.364.3858 or info@ttmedbill.com.