The upcoming May 1 hearing at the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee will be the first time Witty, a key player in the recent cyberattack at Change Healthcare, makes an appearance in Congress. In a recent hearing held by the panel’s health subcommittee regarding the hack, no representatives from United were present.
In a joint statement released on Friday, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and oversight subcommittee chair Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) expressed concerns over the fallout from the Change Healthcare hack. They highlighted the financial struggles faced by individuals and smaller providers in the aftermath of the cyberattack, which has put critical access for patients at risk.
Change Healthcare, the largest medical claims processor in the country, plays a significant role as a clearinghouse for data between health insurers and providers. The cyberattack that occurred in February had a widespread impact on the healthcare industry, leading to disruptions in operations at various clinics and hospitals, and causing delays in payments to providers. Change Healthcare is still in the process of recovering from the attack.
During the recent hearing, lawmakers expressed disappointment over the absence of United representatives, despite their acquisition of Change in 2022. Talks of a possible subpoena were raised to compel United’s presence at future hearings. Witty is also expected to provide testimony before the Senate Finance Committee in the near future as he continues to face scrutiny over his role in the cyberattack.