As Medicare Advantage open enrollment begins, Roswell Park addresses coverage changes

The open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage 2026 coverage began Wednesday, Oct. 15. One of Western New York’s largest health insurance providers will not include Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as part of its in-network coverage. But those eligible for Medicare Advantage need to research carefully before simply choosing an alternative provider.

Dr. Candace Johnson, chief executive officer at Roswell Park, sat with Buffalo Toronto Public Media to discuss the decision by Independent Health to exclude the cancer treatment hospital from in-network coverage. She offered her explanation as to the policy change, stating there had been no discussion or negotiation.

“This was just something that they informed us of, that they were taking the individual Medicare Advantage members, a