Important Notice: Humana Medicare Advantage Patients

Due to Humana’s termination of our contract, as of February 14, 2024, we will no longer be considered an in-network provider. Humana Medicare Advantage patients can still receive treatment at NYOH until February 14, 2024. However, after this date, unless you’ve made alternative insurance arrangements, we will no longer be able to provide care as we will be considered out-of-network.

We want to emphasize that, apart from straight Medicare, an NYOH Patient Benefits Representative is open to discussing other options with you. We continue to be in-network with the following Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans:

• Aetna
• Blue Shield of Northeastern NY (Highmark)
• CDPHP
• Empire Blue Cross Medi Blue (Anthem)
• Emblem Health
• Excellus
• MVP
• United Healthcare
• Wellcare/Fidelis

During the 2024 Open Enrollment Period, which runs until December 7, 2023, you have the opportunity to consider changing your plan. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans for more information. If you switched to a Humana Medicare plan during this year’s open enrollment period that would be effective January 1, 2024, there is still time to select a plan that participates with NYOH.

To ensure continued treatment at New York Oncology Hematology beyond February 14, 2024, we highly recommend contacting your insurance provider (or Medicare) using the following numbers to express your concerns about this situation:

• Humana Medicare Advantage at 1-888-204-4062 between 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Medicare Open Enrollment at 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes in benefits

We take immense pride in delivering excellent healthcare services that help our patients to continue to tell their stories. This commitment extends to providing access to the latest technologies, cutting-edge therapies, and our team of dedicated medical professionals who specialize in delivering top-quality cancer care. It is with regret that despite months of negotiations, we were unable to reach an agreement with Humana Medicare Advantage. While we remain open to discussions, Humana Medicare Advantage terminated our relationship, effective immediately.

Rest assured; we will work with our Humana Medicare Advantage-covered patients on a case-by-case basis to ensure a clear understanding of your care options. We encourage you to consult with one of our patient benefits representatives (PBRs) at the site where you receive care to discuss your options. See below for our list of PBRs.

Patient Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still receive care from New York Oncology Hematology?
   Yes, until February 14, 2024. After that date, New York Oncology Hematology will be non-participating or out-of-network. You can go to this Medicare website to determine your options: https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans
   
   
2. Does this mean I have to change doctors?
   We would prefer you continue receiving care from your New York Oncology Hematology physician to prevent disruptions in your care. However, after February 14, 2024, we are considered out-of-network. Please contact Humana Medicare Advantage to help you find an oncologist considered in-network to minimize your cost share.
   
   
3. Why does the Humana website currently list NYOH as a participating provider?
   The Humana website currently displays NYOH as a participating provider because our contract termination with Humana is set to take effect on February 14, 2024. Until that date, our healthcare providers are recognized as in-network by Humana. However, it's important to note that after the contract termination date, which is February 14, 2024, our providers will no longer be considered in-network. We recommend verifying your network coverage with Humana to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding your healthcare providers.
   
   
4. I've already selected a Humana Medicare Advantage plan during this year's open enrollment period. What does this mean for me?
   If you have already chosen a Humana Medicare Advantage plan during this year's open enrollment period, here's what it means for you:
   
   The 2024 Open Enrollment period continues until December 7, 2024. This means you still have an opportunity to select a health insurance provider that will be in-network beyond the termination of our contract with Humana. Please consider your options and choose a plan that aligns with your healthcare needs.
   
   However, if you decide to remain with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, it's important to note that we will be unable to provide services after December 31, 2023. Therefore, we strongly recommend reviewing your options and selecting a plan that allows you to continue receiving care with your preferred providers.
   
   
5. Can I call the main number of the practice where I receive care to discuss my options?
   Each of our sites has a patient benefits representative with a dedicated number who will help you navigate your options.
   
   
6. How much more will my treatment cost me as a result of this decision?
   Treatment costs will vary among health insurance plans. You should contact Medicare for your specific coverage. Additionally, you can contact Medicare Advantage to change insurance plans during the 2024 Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2023.
   
   
7. Can NYOH supplement the additional cost that would have been paid?
   No. Insurance company regulations prevent us from waiving a patient’s cost share.
   
   
8. How do I file my insurance now?
   New York Oncology Hematology will continue to submit your claims until February 14, 2024. After this date, we are considered out-of-network, and your care will need to be directed to an in-network provider.
   
   
9. I can’t get insurance anywhere else because this is a pre-existing condition. I have no other alternative. What am I supposed to do now?
   You aren’t losing insurance. Our providers are losing our in-network status with Humana. We advise that you consult with Medicare on your options.
   
   
10. Will you wait until the end of the year to cancel my coverage, or does this go into effect immediately?
    You are not losing insurance. Our in-network status remains as is for current patients through February 14, 2024 - so you have plenty of time to discuss any concerns with Humana Medicare Advantage. After that date, Humana will consider NYOH out-of-network.
    
    Depending on your situation, there may be an open enrollment period or special enrollment period available to you if you are considering changing your plan. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans to learn more.