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Cancer patient feels "like collateral damage" after MGB Health Plan removes Dana-Farber from Medicare Advantage network
CBS News • • health
Key Points:
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan is removing Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from its Medicare Advantage network starting October 1, affecting about 1,000 patients who will face insurance coverage changes for their cancer treatment.
- Patients like Eldon Clingan, who has been treated at Dana-Farber for over 20 years, express concern over losing insurance coverage for their established care and expensive medications.
- The insurance provider cites the challenging environment for Medicare Advantage plans nationwide as the reason for the removal, while Dana-Farber's planned separation from the Mass General Brigham hospital system in 2028 is said to be unrelated.
- A 90-day transition period allows patients to continue care at Dana-Farber, but after January 1, patients must switch insurance plans to remain covered there, with some exceptions for ongoing clinical trials or treatments.
- Patients feel the change adds unnecessary stress amid serious health battles, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges posed by shifts in insurance coverage during critical cancer treatment.
