BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center announced a contract agreement that ensures BlueCross BlueShield members will continue to have access to the center’s nationally recognized cancer care.
A member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers, Roswell Park provides quality care to the members that BlueCross BlueShield has served for more than 80 years. Roswell Park is a designated Blue Distinction Center by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) for Cancer Care, Blood and Marrow Transplants, and Cellular Immunotherapy – CAR-T.
These designations are given to a select number of hospitals and health systems nationally based on quality and cost criteria. To receive a CAR-T designation, hospitals must be certified by the Food and Drug Administration to provide such therapies and commit to system-wide monitoring of patient outcomes.
Roswell Park is the only center in the Buffalo area approved to administer the CAR-T-cell therapies Kymriah and Yescarta. Roswell Park’s Blue Distinction Center designation for CAR-T recognizes their commitment to utilizing the latest immunotherapies that are transforming the landscape for many cancer patients.
“We are thrilled that we can count on BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York to cover one of our region’s most vulnerable patient populations,” said Candace S. Johnson, PhD, president and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Access to high-quality, comprehensive care is so important for people with cancer. We are happy to work together so that we can continue to offer our patients the latest and most promising therapies.”
“BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York values our strong partnerships with organizations that have a proven history of delivering exceptional care and results to our members, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said David W. Anderson, president and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “The ‘long game’ for a provider such as Roswell is to identify the most effective treatments that minimize the impact of a cancer diagnosis. When we work collaboratively, we have a meaningful impact on the health of our community.”
The new contract is in effect through 2022. Terms of the contract extension were not disclosed.