New problem for some CCS patients: Insurance coverage

It is a stressful time for hundreds of CCS Oncology cancer patients as the medical practice has filed for bankruptcy protection and will be shutting its offices this Friday April 27th.  Making things even more complicated is that some out-of-area health insurance companies, like UnitedHealthCare, are telling CCS patients they will not be covered if they seek treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center or with other out-of-network oncologists.

Roswell Park in very concerned about the situation and possible lapses of care for cancer patients now scrambling to find a new cancer doctor and treatment options.

"This is not business as usual.  It is a unique situation," said Dr. Boris Kuvshinoff, chief medical officer for Roswell Park.

"We can't go through the standard procedures for pre-authorization.  We need to come up with a fast-track solution so patients can move on quickly with their therapy," explained Dr. Kuvshinoff, who added that local health insurance companies are aware of the situation and doing all they can to help CCS patients.

Roswell is in contact with UnitedHealthCare and other out-of-area health insurance companies about resolving payment issues.

For CCS patients looking for help in finding a new cancer doctor, treatment or health insurance questions, Roswell is providing a helpline at (716) 845-2300.

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.

***ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT***

The New York State Department of Labor confirms it has launched an investigation into CCS Oncology concerning payment to its employees.  The following email came from the NYS Department of Labor: