Is Optum Withholding Your Payments? 

Many groups impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack received advanced payments to stay afloat. They signed promissory notes, expecting to repay once claims were processed. But here’s the problem:

• Many are still waiting for payments for services rendered during that time.
• Despite this, Optum is now withholding payments from current services to recoup what they believe they are owed.

This is creating serious financial strain for providers. If your payments are being withheld, document everything and contact your state insurance commissioner immediately!

We must stand together to demand fair treatment. 

Click here to get your state Insurance Commissioner's email address. Contact your state Insurance Commissioner today.

Here is a suggested email to use (cut and paste) when contacting your state Insurance Commissioner. 

Subject: Prevent Unfair Payment Withholding from Healthcare Providers

I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a critical issue in our state. Many physician practices, including my own, were significantly impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack in early 2024. To help mitigate the disruption, affected providers received advanced payments, with the understanding that repayment would begin once claims processing was restored.

However, many providers are still waiting for reimbursements for services rendered during that time. Despite this, Optum is now withholding payments from our current services to offset what they believe they are owed for these advances. This action is placing a severe financial strain on medical practices and directly threatens our ability to continue providing patient care.

We Need Your Immediate Support

We urge your office to investigate and take action to:

• Ensure that Optum does not unfairly withhold current reimbursements for services that have already been provided.
• Hold payers accountable for timely processing and payment of outstanding claims for an issue they created.
• Protect healthcare providers from undue financial burden caused by this unilateral decision.

Without swift intervention, many practices could face severe financial instability, impacting access to care for patients in our state. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further.

Please let me know how I can assist in providing additional information. Thank you for your leadership and support in ensuring fair payment practices for healthcare providers.