On February 21, 2024, Change Healthcare, a software and data analytics subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum unit, experienced a cybersecurity incident that has impacted its network and operations. The cybersecurity incident has created a service disruption impacting Meridian’s members and provider network in several ways.

As of now, Change Healthcare has not provided a timeline for resolution. To protect Meridian members and providers, Meridian Health has fully disconnected system access to and from Change Healthcare on February 21, 2024. They are working on multiple solutions to restore provider functionality and ensure continuity of care for their members. Meridian will continue to provide updates as this situation evolves.

Electronic Claim Submission

The ability to electronically submit claims to Meridian through Change Healthcare is currently down. Providers can easily submit electronic claims to Meridian via many alternative methods including other claims clearinghouses, the secure provider portal, fax or mail. Meridian’s preferred clearinghouse for electronic claims submission is Availity. To enroll, please visit www.availity.com/Essentials-Portal-Registration and/or call Availity Client Services at 1-800-AVAILITY (1-800-282-4548). Click here, for step-by-step instructions for Availity, or you can visit the resource page on their parent company Centene’s website at www.centene.com/change-healthcare. Additional information on claims submission can be found in the Provider Manual located on the Meridian website.

Reimbursement via Paper Check and Virtual Credit Card (VCC)

Some paper check and virtual credit card payment processes for Meridian have been disrupted due to this incident. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. Please know we are working quickly to implement a new process to ensure payments are operational as soon as possible. An alternate way to speed up your payment process is to set up an automated clearing house (ACH) for electronic funds transfer (EFT). Meridian’s preferred ACH/EFT partner, PaySpan (now part of Zelis), has offered to help expedite the sign-up process for providers by calling 1-877-331-7154, visiting www.payspanhealth.com, and you can click here to read how to sign up for PaySpan.