Feds Issue Cybersecurity Advisory, Lawmakers Target Direct Contracting
FBI, CISA, NSA have issued a joint cybersecurity advisory, Lawmakers are working to take down Trump-era direct contracting, Coronavirus tests run short leading up to CMS requirement, and the Supreme Court approves the CMS vaccine mandate.
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By - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have convened to issue a cybersecurity advisory for major industries across the US. The advisory offers advice to industries that are persistent targets for Russian saboteurs.
Recently, a Supreme Court ruling reinstated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccine mandate for employees. Another mandate from CMS requiring payers to cover COVID-19 testing costs is in jeopardy after a new study finds that at-home COVID-19 tests are in short supply
Meanwhile, a large group of lawmakers has issued a letter to the Biden Administration pleading for a halt to direct contracting in Medicare. And the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is still reeling from a cybersecurity attack that disrupted much of the organization's network and hardware.
FBI, CISA, NSA Foresee Cybersecurity Threats
A joint advisory released by the NSA, CISA, and FBI describes the threat posed by Russian-sponsored attacks on critical infrastructure. Released last week, the advisory shares the observed tactics and procedures used by state-sponsored threat actors. “Russian state-sponsored APT actors have also demonstrated sophisticated tradecraft and cyber capabilities by compromising third-party infrastructure, compromising third-party software, or developing and deploying custom malware,” the advisory stated. READ MORE.
MDH Recovering from Cybersecurity Attack
A December 4 cyberattack is still impacting Maryland’s Department of Health network. The ransomware attack impacted COVID-19 tracking data, state mental hospitals, and Medicaid benefits. Additionally, companies that process RN licensing for the state have been interrupted. MDH has responded by purchasing new hardware for employees and other equipment that was locked out by the attackers. READ MORE.
Supreme Court Approves CMS Vaccine Mandate
The US Supreme Court confirmed that healthcare workers who participate in Medicare and Medicaid must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. New deadlines introduced by CMS maintain that employees must receive one shot by February 14 and a second by March 15. If organizations do not comply, they risk having their Medicaid and Medicare contracts terminated. READ MORE.
Lawmakers Look to End Direct Contracting
A group of 50 lawmakers is urging the Biden Administration to act against the Trump-era Medicare Direct Contracting scheme. The lawmakers railed against the practice, explaining that it leads to privatization and limitations for healthcare consumers. “Direct Contracting Entities pose a threat to patient care and outcomes due to the encroachment of profit-driven organizations on their care,” said the lawmakers in a letter. READ MORE.
Coronavirus Test Shortage Leading up to CMS Requirement
A Kaiser Family Foundation study showed that many at-home tests were in short supply leading up to the CMS ruling requiring payers to cover test costs. The study found that a high percentage of online test retailers were out-of-stock and the average price per test was nearly $25. “Overall, we find that despite efforts to increase test production by manufacturers and the administration, test availability remains limited,” the researchers explained. READ MORE.
