Change Healthcare Outage - Letter to Representatives
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Representative’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Urgent Financial Assistance Needed for Behavioral Health Care Providers Affected by Cybersecurity Attack
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to bring to your immediate attention the unprecedented cybersecurity attack on Change Health Care, an event that Molly Smith, the Group Vice President for Public Policy at the American Hospital Association, has referred to as “the most significant attack on the health-care system in U.S. history.” The ramifications of this attack have been far-reaching, severely impacting behavioral health care providers across the nation, many of whom are small businesses struggling to sustain operations in its aftermath.
The ability of these providers to make payroll and continue offering essential services to our communities has been critically jeopardized. Given the vital role that behavioral health services play in our healthcare ecosystem, especially in these already challenging times, it is imperative that this situation is treated with the utmost urgency, akin to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, I urge you and your colleagues at both the state and federal levels to implement immediate measures to support these providers. Specifically, I propose that the Small Business Administration (SBA) or other relevant lending agencies establish a program to provide zero-interest or low-interest loans to the providers affected by this cybersecurity attack. This financial assistance would serve as a crucial lifeline, enabling them to meet their payroll obligations and ensure the continued provision of healthcare services without interruption.
The repercussions of this attack extend beyond the immediate financial strain on providers; they underscore the vulnerabilities in our healthcare infrastructure and the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. However, the immediate concern is the financial survival of these providers and, by extension, the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
I trust that you will recognize the gravity of this situation and take swift action to address it. The resilience of our healthcare system, particularly in the face of such unprecedented challenges, depends on the timely and decisive response of our elected officials.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our communities. I look forward to your prompt response and am available for any further discussion or clarification you may require.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]