Web Portals Impacted by Microsoft Outage
UPDATE: Systems and access have been restored
Urgent or emergent service prior authorization requirements waived for July 19, 2024
As you may have seen in national news coverage, Microsoft is experiencing a global outage due to a CrowdStrike software update that contained a defect. CrowdStrike is a leading cybersecurity vendor used to safeguard organizations from cybersecurity attacks or data breaches. It is important to note that at this time, the vendor has indicated this is not a cybersecurity event but instead a failed software update impacting PC’s and Windows servers.
Currently, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is experiencing intermittent system issues that are impacting connectivity; however, our crisis response and technical support teams are actively engaged and working to restore functionality while implementing a workaround to support members and providers.
In response to the global Microsoft Azure outage, Healthcare Providers may be unable to access CareFirst web-based portals.
CareFirst is committed to access to care for its Members and is therefore waiving any and all applicable prior authorization requirements for urgent or emergent services for July 19, 2024.
Notifications of inpatient stays beginning July 19, 2024, are waived until the systems come back online, at which time, inpatient notification should be entered on the next business day. We will notify you when systems are restored.
FOR PROVIDERS TO CONFIRM COVERAGE:
- Commercial/FEP/CareFirst Individual and Group Medicare Advantage Plans: visit CareFirst Direct or call provider services at 800-842-5975
- Community Health Plan Maryland Medicaid (CHPMD)/CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage DualPrime (HMO SNP): visit MyHealthPortal or call 410-779-9359 or 800-730-8543
It is important to note that this is a fluid situation. We appreciate your patience during this time.