The federal sequestration is hitting healthcare providers pretty hard. Wisconsin-based Ministry Health Care has announced it will be forced to begin cutting its workforce because of the sequestration cuts, and also the declining demand for treatment by people with high-deductible health insurance plans.
Nick Desien is President and CEO of Ministry. “We recognize that a decision to reduce the size of our workforce will impact the lives of many of our friends and colleagues. However, it is necessary to continue our mission of providing the highest quality of care to our patients, especially the poor and vulnerable, without a disruption in services,” Desien said in a press release.
Sequestration has resulted in a $10 million annual reduction in payments to Ministry for Medicare services. Ministry Health officials have declined interview requests. The initial press release did not say how many people will be let go, when that will happen, or if it affects certain departments or types of employees first.
Ministry Health Care operates 15 hospitals and 47 clinics, and currently has more than 12,000 associates including 650 physicians and advanced practice clinicians.
WSAU