ObamaCare: WI Hospital Cuts 140 Positions; Lays Off 50

A Madison, Wisconsin hospital has joined the ranks of employers directly affected by ObamaCare cuts. About 50 people face unemployment, as Meriter Hospital announces layoffs. These cuts are a direct result of the decreased in payments they will receive as a result of the Medicare cuts contained within ObamaCare.

WKOW: On Tuesday, Meriter spokesperson Mary Reinke said in a statement that about 4 percent of the hospital’s 3,500 positions would be eliminated. That’s 140 positions cut, but 50 employees affected, because many of those positions are currently vacant. Some of those 50 employees among various departments will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company.

Reinke says the layoffs are a pre-emptive move to offset cuts to Medicare reimbursements put in place by the federal Affordable Care Act.

While 140 positions will be cut only 50 employees will be directly affected because the hospital had already begun leave vacant positions open in expectation of the ObamaCare restrictions.

The decrease in Medicare reimbursement will affect all hospitals but the smaller, more rural hospitals, which have a higher Medicare population will feel a greater impact.

Reinke says the layoffs are a pre-emptive move to offset cuts to Medicare reimbursements put in place by the federal Affordable Care Act.

Meriter Spokesman: Changes are inevitable.
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