Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Enhancing Access and Coverage through Best Practices and Vigilance

During the AHA Annual Membership Meeting, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) addressed attendees about the Administration’s efforts to improve access to care and increase health insurance coverage. She also discussed the recent Change Healthcare cyberattack and the future of cybersecurity in healthcare.

Palm emphasized that the cyberattack on Change Healthcare was a learning experience, highlighting that such attacks are inevitable. In January, HHS released cybersecurity performance goals for the healthcare sector, and Palm shared plans to help hospitals and health systems implement best practices to protect patient information and hospital networks. She stressed the importance of supporting rural hospitals that may not have the resources to achieve these goals independently.

Although the worst of the cyberattack on Change Healthcare may have passed, Palm reassured attendees that HHS would continue to support hospitals and health systems in their recovery. She emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness for future attacks, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and improve cybersecurity measures.

Palm ended her speech by expressing her commitment to working with attendees to enhance the health and well-being of individuals across the country. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but encouraged cooperation to strengthen cybersecurity in healthcare.