Protecting healthcare payments will become a national priority

Mounting vulnerabilities will force policymakers to classify medical payments as critical financial infrastructure.?

Healthcare payments are one of the largest financial systems in the U.S., handling billions of transactions annually. Yet they don’t receive the same protection or oversight as banking systems or securities markets despite being essential to both patient care and provider operations.?

The challenge

The February 2024 cyberattack on Change Healthcare showed just how vulnerable the system is. The breach delayed payments to providers and exposed sensitive medical and financial data of 130 million Americans.?

Despite healthcare representing nearly 20% of the U.S. economy, the payment infrastructure remains fragmented and outdated, relying on systems that are both inefficient and unprepared for modern cybersecurity threats. The status quo isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous.?

Early signs of change

The conversation is beginning to shift. There is growing recognition among policymakers that healthcare payments should be treated as critical infrastructure, much like banking. “If these systems fail, it’s not just a business problem—it’s a public health issue,” says Boe Hartman, Nomi Health Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer. "Designating healthcare payments as national critical infrastructure would fundamentally alter the landscape. It would change the conversation about healthcare in the United States, opening up competition in ways this industry hasn't seen in 50 years."

Proof in numbers

• Healthcare data breaches cost $9.8 million per incident, more than double the average cost in other industries.?

• 18% of U.S. GDP is tied to healthcare spending, yet its payment systems operate with minimal policy oversight.?

• The average payment delay caused by a breach or system failure can stretch into months, disrupting care and provider operations.?

Human impact

When payment systems fail, patients experience delays in care; providers struggle with cash flow and sensitive data is exposed. These disruptions impact trust and access at every level of the system. Protecting healthcare payments isn’t just about financial security—it’s about ensuring continuity of care.?

2025 prediction

In 2025, healthcare payments will see increased examination and initial steps toward being classified as critical infrastructure. This change will take time, but early action will lay the foundation for stronger safeguards, more efficient systems, and better protection for both providers and patients.?

Read the full analysis: https://www.nomihealth.com/blog/healthcare-predictions-2025-the-power-of-pragmatic-change