The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights is investigating a 6 TB data theft at UnitedHealth Group by the ALPHV ransomware group.

The cyberattack has disrupted UnitedHealth's claims processing and payments, leading to concerns about patient privacy and HIPAA violations.

Tricare's in-network retail pharmacies are also impacted due to a separate cyberattack on Change Healthcare, forcing military families to pay full prescription costs upfront.

The federal government has initiated assistance programs for health care providers financially affected by the billing disruptions.

The incidents underscore the critical need for improved cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector.

UnitedHealth Group aims to restore provider payment systems by mid-March, while Change Healthcare is working to reconnect services for military pharmacies.