#healthcare

I've worked in healthcare long enough to know the odds. Making it to retirement at a single company feels like winning the lottery. Layoffs, restructuring, mergers, or whatever else, but they always find a way to push you out before you get there. I'm not counting on it.

Does anyone know how much DXC contributes towards an employee's health insurance - medical/dental/vision? Just a ballpark number.

It doesn't sound like they contribute 80/20 or 70/30 that some of the better performing companies do. I haven't used DXC's plan bcoz my spouse has a good one but was wondering if I had to use what would my cost vs DXC's be; I'm definitely saving DXC some money there right now.

One of Humana’s main competitors, United announced today that they are going to drop the requirement for prior authorization for a broad range of procedures.

Question to you Humana, will you match your competitor and follow suit???

Sept 1 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth's insurance unit said on Tuesday that a broad range of conditions will no ‌longer need prior approval, effective October 1, as ‌it aims to eliminate prior authorization for 30% of healthcare services by ​the end of this year.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/healthcare/articles/unitedhealthcare-drop-prior-authorization-requirements-101737062.html

Nurses at Glendale Memorial Hospital rallied to protest layoffs of critical support staff. They argue these cuts will negatively impact patient safety and care quality. The nurses believe the hospital's parent company is prioritizing profits over patient well-being. They are demanding that the layoff notices be rescinded. The support staff are considered vital for efficient hospital operations.

Glendale, CA

https://outlooknewspapers.com/glendalenewspress/glendale-memorial-nurses-picket-to-protest-support-staff-layoffs/article_75322295-17be-4901-9ccd-cff758341805.html

This is a crisis and an absolute mess. I don't blame hospitals and doctors for trying to overbill because look at all these elite big wigs million dollar salaries. This right there seems like fraud. While people are being denied healthcare and mentally struggling these people are getting filthy rich off of everyone. What's going to happen when more claims get sloppily handled. We are merely their slaves. Noone cares period!

Does anyone know the truth behind the reason what happened to that executive in NY? Just curious.

Alert went off this morning. Good times for another executive. From publicly available information…

Chris Koster, Centene’s General Counsel:

2023: $4.84M
2024: $5.06M
2025: $6.51M

On August 18, 2026, Koster sold 47,603 Centene shares for roughly $3.11 million. $16.4M in three years. Cha-Ching sir! Here are the stock trades:

https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/insiders/koster-christopher-1108982

Not bad for the top lawyer at a company whose business is largely administering taxpayer-funded healthcare.

Koster went from county prosecutor → Missouri Senator → Missouri Attorney General → Centene executive.

So basically, decades in Missouri government followed by millions a year at one of the country’s largest Medicaid contractors.

At least someone figured out how to make Medicaid profitable. But sure, keep cutting the people doing the actual work. That ought to fix the margins. And congrats, Chris. Don’t spend it all in one place.

The expiration of Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants could significantly impact the August employment report. Many of these individuals were in the labor force and firms were compelled to let them go. This situation may lead to a negative payroll number without an increase in the official unemployment rate. Healthcare and leisure/hospitality sectors are expected to be most affected by these job losses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lacks a specific method to track these types of layoffs.

United States

https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2026/august-2026-employment-primer.html

St. Joseph's Medical Center has eliminated several clerical positions, citing economic pressures and rising costs. This decision has led to concerns among nurses and staff about increased workloads and potential patient safety risks. Some employees received layoff notices, forcing them to seek new roles within the hospital or face financial strain. Hospital management stated these changes are proactive measures for long-term sustainability and efficiency. The union representing affected workers believes these cuts will negatively impact patient care delivery.

Stockton, California

https://stocktonia.org/news/health/2026/08/27/layoffs-at-st-josephs-medical-center-leave-staff-asking-whos-next/

OH and OK added as ICHRA states. Does this mean we no longer have the option to choose from the 4 options we had before?

I've heard from IN folks ICHRA is AWFUL, not accepted country wide and lacking providers who actually take the plan...

EVERNORTH
HEALTH SERVICES
pepsico
Total
Rewards
Express Scripts® Pharmacy Benefit Services
Weight-loss medication coverage is changing
We want to let you know about a change to your prescription dr-g benefits. Effective October 1, 2026, medications prescribed for weight loss will no longer be covered under the Pepsico Employee Health Care Program or the PepsiCo Retiree Health Care Program (together, the"PepsiCo Plans").
Why we're making this change
Prescription weight-loss medications have become one of the fastest-growing costs in the PepsiCo Plans. Removing coverage for prescription weight-loss dr-gs enables us to maintain a healthcare program that is sustainable and affordable for all PepsiCo employees, while continuing to provide a comprehensive, high-value benefits package. At the same time, many commonly used weight-loss medications now have cash-pay affordability pathways that were not available previously to individual patients.

Nurses at St. Joseph's Medical Center are planning a rally to protest proposed layoffs of essential support staff. They argue that eliminating these roles will negatively impact patient safety and care quality. Nurses are already stretched thin and cannot absorb the duties of the laid-off employees. The union states that the healthcare system has sufficient resources to avoid these cuts. They believe patient well-being is being sacrificed for financial gain.

Stockton, California

https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/stockton-nurses-to-rally-for-patient-safety-and-condemn-layoffs

INTEGRIS Health is implementing workforce reductions and closing several clinics. These actions are a direct response to anticipated significant cuts in Medicaid and Medicare funding. The organization expects an annual revenue loss of approximately $130 million once the new legislation is fully enacted. These changes will occur over the next three to six months. INTEGRIS Health stated these steps are necessary to ensure its long-term sustainability and mission.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

https://okcfox.com/news/local/integris-health-announces-layoffs-clinic-closures

The Seattle area is experiencing a significant change in its job market, moving away from its tech dominance. Healthcare and frontline services are now driving job growth, while tech and science positions have seen a decline. This restructuring is impacting the regional labor force, with some tech workers seeking opportunities in other fields. The shift is attributed to various factors, including hiring in essential services and a decrease in tech-specific roles. Experts emphasize the need for awareness regarding these widespread economic changes.

https://www.kuow.org/economy/2026-07-22/seattle-area-hiring-is-undergoing-a-drastic-change

I am curious as to what kind of experiences those with the Indiana ICHRA healthcare plans are having this year so far. Are there any big challenges or any positives that you're seeing and has anyone been told whether or not you all will have to stay on those plans for 2027 and beyond?

Ontario hospitals are experiencing severe financial strain due to provincial underfunding, leading to staff shortages and reduced care quality. A report highlights that Ontario funds its hospitals at the lowest per capita rate in Canada. This deficit impacts daily operations, forcing hospitals to seek external funding. The situation is exacerbated by an aging population and increased demand for complex medical services. Unions are advocating for increased provincial investment to ensure adequate patient care and hospital sustainability.

Oshawa, Ontario

https://www.durhamregion.com/news/lakeridge-hospital-struggles-with-layoffs-cuts-overcrowding/article_051c2c5b-7c57-5735-8b9f-ec1142426704.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/health-insurers-dropping-medicare-advantage-100000446.html

Thousands of seniors are receiving notification that their Medicare Advantage plan won't be available next year, and there's nothing they can do about it except find another option.
One in 10 Medicare Advantage policyholders face forced disenrollment this year, according to an analysis by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. That's as many as 2.9 million Americans.

Central Admixture Pharmacy Services (CAPS) will close its Phoenix facility. This closure will result in the layoff of 116 employees. The company specializes in sterile preparations for healthcare facilities. Layoffs are scheduled to begin in late August. Some positions will continue until the end of the year.

Phoenix, Arizona

https://www.abc15.com/news/business/pennsylvania-pharmacy-shutters-phoenix-facility-cutting-116-jobs

Think this is getting added to the TriZetto algorithm? 😂

Centene denied 15% of standard Medicare Advantage prior auth requests in 2025.

Then 93% of the denials that were appealed got overturned.

But it was “one person at a time.” 😬

Centene also had the highest ACA denial rate listed at 25%.

Hard not to look at numbers like that and wonder whether the system is designed to get the right answer the first time, or just make people fight hard enough to get there.

Maybe the next efficiency initiative is getting rid of the members who keep appealing. 🤡

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/payers-ranked-by-prior-authorization-denial-rates/

Although I generally agree with the sentiment towards Sarah London, this would not have happened if our elected officials had crossed party lines to solve the issues with the cost of health insurance. Thanks to our friends in DC, people lost health coverage because it is unaffordable resulting in businesses losing business, resulting in the workers long jobs.

Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital has reduced its patient bed capacity by four. This decision was driven by a consistent decline in patient census over the past five years. As a result, three staff members in non-direct care roles were laid off. The hospital currently has nearly 60 open positions across the state system. These changes aim to better align staffing with actual patient needs and available resources.

Berlin, Vermont

https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/workforce/60-vermont-psychiatric-hospital-staff-urge-state-to-reconsider-layoffs/

Thousands of nurses are protesting proposed layoffs at 17 CommonSpirit Health hospitals across California. Over 5,000 nurses signed a petition urging the company to withdraw its plans. The union argues these cuts will negatively impact patient safety and care quality. Hospital staff were notified of the proposed layoffs in June. CommonSpirit cites economic pressures and rising costs as reasons for the reductions.

Los Angeles, CA

https://patch.com/california/across-ca/some-cuts-dont-heal-nurses-rally-after-operator-ca-hospitals-announces-layoffs

Sharp HealthCare is implementing a realignment affecting approximately 260 employees, a year after a previous round of layoffs. This move impacts various clinical and administrative roles across the organization. CEO Chris Howard cited reductions in federal reimbursement programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, as the primary driver for these necessary cuts. Despite a reported operating loss, the organization aims to achieve break-even operations and secure funds for future investments. Some behavioral health positions are being restructured to comply with new state staffing mandates.

San Diego, California

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/08/11/sharp-healthcare-announces-restructuring-that-will-impact-260-workers/

Sharp Healthcare-256 just let go across the system, 150 @Mesa Vista. What is the quality of care going to be like???

Anyone on the Health Net / health plan side seeing RIFs hit their team yet?

80 people laid off 8/11/2026) in IT support and PACs (imaging). They outsourced the work to a company called "Infinite". They signed a multi-year contract with Infinite. The workers have had to work along side them for the last several months. The workers from Infinite have little health care experience.

Anyone In sunshine being laidoff or heard anything ?

Wellstar is implementing workforce reductions affecting 761 employees. These layoffs target corporate and shared services functions, along with some administrative roles. Frontline medical workers will not be impacted by these changes. The company stated the reductions follow an organizational review and are based on industry benchmarks. The exact timing of the layoffs has not been disclosed.

Atlanta

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/wellstar-layoff-nearly-800-employees

St. Christopher's Hospital has implemented layoffs. These workforce reductions are occurring as health systems prepare for significant Medicaid spending decreases. The hospital is located in Philadelphia. The exact number of affected employees is not specified. This action reflects broader financial pressures within the healthcare sector.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2026/05/19/st-christophers-hospital-children-layoffs.html

Anyone from PA Health & Wellness impacted by RIF?
PL said all 35 from PAHW who requested were approved for VSP with varying end dates. No mention of any RIFs yet.

My sup posted that as of right now from our team no one is being let go- she can’t comment on the future but for now we’re safe
I know it’s such a hard day for everyone. Thinking and wishing all of you better days and better opportunities 🧡

Has anyone from ambetter been lay offed today?

Avamere Health Services is implementing a significant restructuring plan. This initiative will result in the elimination of 129 positions starting in September. Further workforce reductions are scheduled for October and subsequent months. The company is shifting its focus from skilled nursing to senior housing and home-based services. These layoffs are not associated with any union.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.aol.com/articles/tigard-healthcare-provider-announces-100-220513000.html

Presbyterian Healthcare Services, one of New Mexico’s largest health care systems, is laying off 150 employees in health plan and administrative roles as it prepares to stop offering most of its Medicare Advantage plans in 2027. The Albuquerque-based nonprofit said direct patient care positions will not be affected and that it is still trying to fill about 870 clinical jobs across its hospitals and clinics. Presbyterian said leaving most of the Medicare Advantage market will allow it to focus more resources on patient care, staffing and access, while current members will keep their coverage through the existing plan year and the organization will continue offering its Dual Plus Special Needs Plan.

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/presbyterian-healthcare-services-to-layoff-150-employees-company-says/

Cigna Healthcare has to be one of the worst insurance companies ever. From the way they treat their customers, providers and employees! This company is money hungry and doesn’t deserve a dime of what they are making to ki-l people and keep them in pain. Cigna and Evicore both is going to burn in the deepest part of he-l for all the things they put people through only to receive a green buck. It’s ridiculous and they should be ashamed!

Wellpath, a healthcare provider for Shelby County jail inmates, is planning to lay off workers. The company has provided medical, dental, and mental health services for 13 years. Further details about the layoffs are not available in the provided text. The article does not specify the number of affected employees or the exact timeline.

Memphis, Tennessee

https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2026/08/04/wellpath-jail-healthcare-provider-layoff-workers.html

Anyone heard anything about ambetter CM involuntary layoffs?

An Overland Park-based company focused on prescription price transparency is implementing layoffs. Rx Savings Solutions, founded in 2012 and acquired by McKesson Corporation in 2022, is streamlining operations. A spokesperson for McKesson stated the company is simplifying its operational approach to enhance growth and innovation. This organizational realignment will result in some roles being changed, moved, or eliminated. The exact number of affected employees was not disclosed, and no WARN notice has been filed.

Overland Park, KS

https://www.kctv5.com/2026/08/04/overland-park-company-announces-layoffs-streamline-operations/

Avamere Health Services will lay off 129 employees as it exits the skilled nursing sector. These job reductions will begin in September and continue through October. The company is transferring management of numerous long-term care facilities to other operators. Layoffs primarily impact administrative and back-office roles. Avamere cannot confirm the final number of affected employees.

Tigard, Oregon

https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2026/08/tigard-long-term-care-company-to-lay-off-129-workers-as-nursing-homes-change-hands.html

UCare is laying off more than 100 employees this fall. This action follows the company's decision to end its Medicare Advantage contracts. UCare plans to shift its members to a different organization. The terminations will begin on October 1st. This move is part of a larger transition for the health plan.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/ucare-announces-layoffs-for-100-positions/89-f36222ef-5707-4235-ae2b-8ef46ee8f031