October 5, 2025

Buffalo Seniors Face Cancer Care Disruption as Roswell Park Exits Network

Buffalo, October 5, 2025

Seniors in Buffalo relying on Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans will lose in-network access to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2026, following contract disputes. This decision raises concerns over increased costs and access to specialized cancer care for many patients. Individuals are urged to review their coverage options and explore alternatives during the upcoming Medicare enrollment period.

Buffalo Seniors Face Disruptions in Cancer Care as Roswell Park Exits Independent Health Network

Buffalo, NY – Thousands of seniors in Buffalo who depend on Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans will lose in-network access to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center starting in 2026 due to unresolved contract disputes between the insurer and the cancer facility. This change, announced recently, has sparked widespread concern among patients who rely on Roswell Park for specialized cancer treatments, prompting urgent calls for affected individuals to review their coverage options before the new year.

The decision affects an estimated several thousand enrollees in western New York, particularly those battling cancer or at high risk, who now face potential out-of-pocket costs or the need to switch providers. Roswell Park, a nationally recognized center for oncology care, has been a cornerstone for local patients seeking advanced diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. Without in-network status, patients may encounter significantly higher expenses, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance rates that could reach up to 40% more than current levels, according to standard Medicare Advantage out-of-network policies.

Independent Health, a major insurer in the region serving over 200,000 Medicare Advantage members statewide, stated that negotiations with Roswell Park broke down over disagreements on reimbursement rates and service terms. The insurer emphasized that it aims to maintain high-quality networks but must balance costs to keep premiums affordable for all members. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, the two parties could not align on financial and operational expectations, leading to the exclusion effective January 1, 2026.

Patient Access Concerns Rise Amid Transition

For many Buffalo-area residents, this shift means navigating uncharted territory in their healthcare journey. Cancer patients often require consistent, localized care to avoid travel burdens, especially during treatment phases that involve frequent visits. The disruption could force some to seek alternative facilities, such as other hospitals in the Independent Health network like Kaleida Health or Catholic Health, which offer oncology services but may not match Roswell Park’s specialized expertise in certain rare cancers or research-driven therapies.

Healthcare advocates highlight that such network changes are not uncommon in Medicare Advantage plans, where insurers frequently renegotiate contracts to control rising medical costs. However, the timing—less than three months before open enrollment—leaves little room for seamless transitions. Seniors are advised to contact Independent Health immediately to understand their specific plan details and explore in-network alternatives. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, individuals can switch to different plans that include Roswell Park, such as those from competing insurers like EmblemHealth or Fidelis Care.

Broader Implications for Local Healthcare Landscape

This development underscores ongoing tensions in New York’s healthcare market, where providers and insurers grapple with escalating expenses driven by inflation, advanced treatments, and an aging population. Roswell Park, as New York’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, plays a vital role in the community, treating over 5,000 new patients annually and contributing to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and precision medicine. Its removal from Independent Health’s network could strain resources at remaining in-network sites and affect continuity of care for ongoing trials.

State regulators, including the New York Department of Financial Services, monitor such changes to ensure compliance with federal Medicare rules, which require plans to notify members at least 30 days in advance of significant network alterations. Independent Health has begun mailing notifications to impacted enrollees, detailing steps for appeals or plan changes. Community health organizations in Buffalo are stepping up with free counseling sessions to assist seniors in understanding their rights and options under the Affordable Care Act and Medicare guidelines.

Steps for Affected Patients

To mitigate disruptions, patients should first verify their plan’s network status by logging into their Independent Health account or calling the member services line at 1-800-501-3439. Tools like Medicare’s Plan Finder online can help compare 2026 options. For those with active treatments at Roswell Park, discussing continuity plans with their physicians is crucial, as some services might qualify for exceptions or grandfathered coverage during transitions.

While the contract dispute highlights the challenges of balancing quality care with affordability, it also serves as a reminder for all Medicare Advantage users to periodically review their benefits. In Buffalo’s tight-knit medical community, collaborative efforts between providers and insurers will be key to minimizing long-term impacts on patient outcomes.

This situation reflects a broader national trend where Medicare Advantage networks evolve yearly, affecting access for vulnerable populations. Staying informed and proactive remains the best defense for seniors navigating these changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main change affecting Buffalo seniors?

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will no longer be in-network for Independent Health’s 2026 Medicare Advantage plans, affecting thousands of seniors in Buffalo.

Why is this happening?

Insurers cite contract disputes with Roswell Park, leading to the exclusion starting in 2026.

How many people are impacted?

Thousands of seniors in Buffalo who depend on Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans will lose in-network access.

What concerns do patients have?

Patients worry about access to care and potential out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatments at Roswell Park.

What should affected individuals do?

Insurers urge affected individuals to explore options soon, including during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.

Key Features of the Roswell Park Network Change

Feature	Details
Affected Plans	Independent Health’s 2026 Medicare Advantage plans
Change Effective Date	January 1, 2026
Number of Impacted Seniors	Thousands in Buffalo
Reason for Change	Contract disputes over reimbursement rates and service terms
Patient Concerns	Access to specialized cancer care and increased costs
Recommended Action	Explore alternative plans during open enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)