For Immediate Release
January 3, 2007

BUFFALO, NY –BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) have reached agreement on a new, three-year provider contract that includes new financial terms and covers all cancer services offered by Roswell Park. The contract took effect January 1, 2007.

As a result of the agreement, Roswell Park will continue to offer services to BlueCross BlueShield members without interruption.  

“Our mission at BlueCross BlueShield is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, so we take pride in continuing to provide our members with access to the quality care provided by the world-renowned Roswell Park,” said Alphonso O’Neil-White, President and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “These important collaborations ensure that quality cancer care will be delivered to thousands of members who rely upon us every day.”

“Roswell Park and BlueCross BlueShield are working to raise the standards for quality cancer care in Western New York and beyond,” said David C. Hohn, MD, President & CEO, RPCI. “This agreement will provide the necessary resources that would allow Roswell Park to continue to provide total care to the cancer patient.”

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., one of New York’s leading health care companies that provides quality health care and innovative solutions for members throughout Upstate New York. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the company’s revenues exceeded $2 billion in 2005. BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania and in China. For more information, visit RPCI's website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

 

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