Kaleida Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in Western New York, has announced the closure of two of its therapy clinics due to financial pressures stemming from federal healthcare cuts associated with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The clinics on Maple Road in Amherst and at DeGraff Medical Park in North Tonawanda will cease operations on November 10, 2023, affecting approximately 30 employees and numerous patients who depend on these facilities for essential treatment.
The decision to close these clinics is part of a broader trend as healthcare providers nationwide implement cost-cutting measures in response to anticipated reductions in Medicaid spending over the next decade. Kaleida Health cited multiple reasons for the closure, including declines in funding and reimbursement, the financial viability of the locations, and community access to services.
In a statement, Kaleida Health expressed its commitment to patient care despite the challenging circumstances. “We are extremely proud of the care and service we have been able to offer at these sites over the years,” the organization noted. They emphasized the importance of supporting affected staff during this transition and ensuring continuity of care for patients who were receiving treatment.
Phil Stokes, a Hamburg resident who utilized services at the Maple Road clinic following a traumatic brain injury, shared his disappointment regarding the closures. “I was in a car accident the day before Thanksgiving in 2017,” he said. “In 2018, I was still experiencing a lot of symptoms from a severe concussion.” Stokes highlighted the critical role that the clinic’s staff played in his recovery. “They were very patient and compassionate, challenging me to push myself to continue to improve,” he added.
Stokes also expressed concern for other patients, particularly those on Medicaid, who may face greater difficulties in accessing care. “It’s going to take longer for someone to get an appointment when they are initially diagnosed with some issue,” he warned.
Kaleida Health has stated that it will continue to provide services for 90 days to help patients complete their courses of treatment. Patients are being informed of the closure timeline and are being directed to alternative providers in the area.
The healthcare system is actively engaging with local, state, and federal advocacy groups, as well as elected officials, to seek solutions to the financial challenges affecting healthcare organizations in the region. “We continue to advocate to protect our region’s healthcare organizations,” Kaleida Health reiterated.
As the healthcare landscape shifts due to economic pressures, Kaleida Health stresses that the skills and commitment of its teams remain unwavering, even as they navigate these difficult decisions.
