Health Care Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2024

The Health Care Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2024 requires hospitals and healthcare providers receiving Medicare payments to meet minimum cybersecurity standards after a cybersecurity incident that disrupts operations. Starting two years after the bill's enactment, hospitals and providers cannot receive accelerated Medicare payments if they or their payment processors (intermediaries) fail to meet these standards. The bill directly affects Medicare-participating hospitals and providers who rely on accelerated payment programs during financial disruptions caused by cyberattacks. It mandates that the Health Secretary determine compliance with cybersecurity standards before payments are made under these programs.