Kaleida Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in Western New York, announced the closure of two Buffalo Therapy Services clinics due to federal healthcare funding cuts. The facilities located on Maple Road in Amherst and at DeGraff Medical Park in North Tonawanda are set to shut down on November 10, 2023. This decision will impact approximately 31 employees and many patients who depend on these clinics for essential therapy services.
The closures are a response to anticipated reductions in Medicaid spending as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Kaleida Health’s leadership confirmed that the decision was influenced by several factors, including decreased funding, reimbursement challenges, and the financial viability of maintaining these locations. As healthcare providers across the country adjust to these funding changes, Kaleida Health is not alone in facing tough decisions.
Phil Stokes, a patient who received treatment at the Maple Road clinic following a traumatic brain injury, expressed his disappointment regarding the closures. “I was in a car accident the day before Thanksgiving in 2017, and in 2018, I was still experiencing a lot of symptoms from a severe concussion,” he said. Stokes highlighted the importance of the therapy he received, noting the staff’s patience and commitment to his recovery. He raised concerns about the impact on other patients, particularly those on Medicaid, stating that finding new providers will likely become more difficult.
In an official statement, Kaleida Health emphasized the necessity of these cuts. “We are evaluating the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on our operations and services,” the organization stated. “The cuts will force Kaleida Health, along with hospitals and healthcare systems in our region, state, and country, to make many hard decisions in the coming weeks, months, and years.”
The healthcare system reassured patients that it would maintain operations at the Buffalo Therapy Services clinics for an additional 90 days, allowing most patients to complete their treatment plans. Patients have been informed of the closure timeline and alternative providers they can transition to as needed. If patients have questions about their care, they are encouraged to contact the clinics directly.
Kaleida Health also affirmed its commitment to supporting affected staff during this transition. The Human Resources department is working closely with impacted employees to help them explore other job opportunities within the organization.
The decision to close the clinics reflects a broader trend in the healthcare sector as providers navigate the challenges posed by changing funding landscapes. As these closures take effect, Kaleida Health remains focused on providing high-quality, patient-centered care while advocating for solutions to the challenges facing healthcare organizations in the region.
This situation underscores the ongoing impact of federal healthcare policy changes on local healthcare services, affecting both patients and providers alike.
