October 12, 2025

Senator Urges Mediation Over Cancer Treatment Coverage in Buffalo

Buffalo, NY, October 12, 2025

State Senator Patrick Gallivan is calling for mediation between Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Independent Health following a dispute over denied insurance claims for experimental cancer treatments. The worsening situation has led to concerns for thousands of patients in need of essential therapies. Gallivan’s letter emphasizes the urgency of resolution to prevent potential legal action, as patients continue to face barriers in accessing necessary care.

Buffalo, NY – Senator Urges Cancer Center and Insurer to Resolve Coverage Dispute

State Senator Patrick Gallivan has called for immediate mediation between Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Independent Health to settle a dispute over denied insurance claims for experimental cancer treatments, impacting thousands of patients in New York. The conflict has escalated, with Gallivan warning that failure to resolve it could lead to legal action.

The senator sent a formal letter demanding swift intervention to ensure patients continue receiving necessary care without financial burdens. This move comes as Independent Health recently denied claims for specific experimental therapies, leaving many patients in limbo and sparking widespread frustration among affected families and healthcare advocates.

Details of the Coverage Dispute

At the heart of the issue are advanced treatments offered at Roswell Park, a leading cancer research and treatment facility in Buffalo. These therapies, often categorized as experimental, aim to provide innovative options for patients with complex conditions. However, Independent Health, a major insurer in the region, has rejected reimbursement based on their policy guidelines, which limit coverage for unproven or investigational procedures.

Roswell Park officials maintain that the denied treatments have demonstrated promising results in clinical settings and are essential for certain patients who have exhausted standard options. The center argues that these therapies align with emerging medical standards and should be covered to support ongoing research and patient outcomes. In contrast, Independent Health points to established protocols that require rigorous evidence before approving such claims, emphasizing the need to control escalating healthcare expenses.

The standoff has disrupted care for thousands, forcing some patients to delay treatments or seek alternative funding sources. This has heightened concerns about access to cutting-edge care, particularly for those relying on insurance for financial support.

Gallivan’s Push for Mediation

Gallivan’s involvement underscores the urgency of the situation. As a state senator representing parts of western New York, he has positioned himself as a mediator to bridge the gap between the two entities. His letter highlights the potential for lawsuits if the dispute persists, which could further strain resources and delay resolutions. By advocating for mediation, Gallivan aims to facilitate dialogue and find a compromise that prioritizes patient welfare over bureaucratic hurdles.

The senator’s actions reflect growing impatience with the impasse, which has lingered amid negotiations. He has urged both parties to prioritize collaborative solutions, potentially involving state regulators to enforce fair coverage practices.

Broader Implications for New York’s Healthcare System

This conflict illuminates deeper challenges within New York’s healthcare landscape, where rising costs and differing interpretations of coverage policies often clash. Experimental treatments, while offering hope for improved survival rates, frequently fall into gray areas of insurance eligibility. Providers like Roswell Park push for broader access to foster medical innovation, while insurers grapple with balancing affordability and comprehensive benefits.

The dispute affects not just individual patients but the entire ecosystem of cancer care in the state. With New York facing increasing healthcare expenditures, such disagreements could influence future policy decisions on treatment approvals and reimbursement rates. Advocacy groups have noted that similar issues arise across the nation, but in densely populated areas like western New York, the impact is particularly acute due to the concentration of specialized facilities.

Efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing, with hopes that mediation will restore coverage and prevent further disruptions. Patients and families continue to monitor developments, as the outcome could set precedents for handling experimental therapies statewide.

In the meantime, Roswell Park has implemented temporary support programs to assist affected individuals, though these are not sustainable long-term solutions. The situation remains fluid, with both sides expressing willingness to negotiate under structured guidance.

Historical Context of Similar Disputes

Disagreements over experimental cancer treatments are not new in New York. Past cases have involved other insurers and providers, often resolved through arbitration or legislative intervention. This latest episode adds to a pattern of tensions exacerbated by the high costs of oncology care, which can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient annually. State officials have previously introduced bills to clarify coverage criteria, but implementation has been slow.

The involvement of a state senator like Gallivan signals potential for legislative scrutiny, which might lead to reforms aimed at streamlining approvals for innovative treatments. For now, the focus remains on immediate relief for those caught in the crossfire.

This coverage battle highlights the delicate balance between medical advancement and fiscal responsibility, a dynamic that continues to shape healthcare delivery in the region.

FAQ

What is the main issue in the dispute between Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Independent Health?

State Senator Patrick Gallivan is pressing Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Independent Health to resolve a coverage dispute affecting thousands of patients. The insurer recently denied claims for certain experimental treatments, sparking outrage.

What actions has State Senator Patrick Gallivan taken?

Gallivan’s letter demands immediate mediation to avoid lawsuits.

What is Roswell Park’s position on the denied treatments?

Roswell officials defend the therapies’ efficacy.

What is Independent Health’s stance?

Independent Health cites policy guidelines.

What broader issues does this dispute highlight?

This impasse highlights broader tensions in New York’s healthcare system amid rising costs.

Key Features of the Coverage Dispute

Below is a simple table outlining the key features of the dispute for quick reference.

Aspect	Details
Affected Parties	Thousands of patients, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Independent Health
Core Issue	Denied claims for certain experimental treatments
Senator’s Role	Pressing for immediate mediation to avoid lawsuits
Roswell Park’s View	Defends the therapies’ efficacy
Independent Health’s View	Cites policy guidelines
Broader Impact	Highlights tensions in New York’s healthcare system amid rising costs