#healthcare

https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/09/21/humana-is-dropping-plans-covering-600000-members-and-hopes-240000-choose-humana-again-the-replacement-is-not-the-same-plan/

Well
Beyond
Ridiculous

And getting worse by the year.

Trinity Health has announced the layoff of 557 employees, directly attributing the decision to federal cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which significantly reduces Medicaid funding over the next decade. This legislation places millions at risk of losing health coverage and increases uncompensated care costs for providers. In Michigan, 23 healthcare providers are already facing service cuts or closure due to these changes. The article criticizes Senator Mike Rogers for supporting the bill despite its projected impact on Michigan residents.

Livonia, Michigan

https://michiganadvance.com/2026/09/23/trinity-health-layoffs-expose-the-danger-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/

So I just wanted to give an update on this after my surgery
While lantern says they require bariatric surgery on the insurance card, UCH ended up covering my OP 100% so I ended up not having to wait.

Whats sc--wy is if you call lantern, they'll say some backwards stuff going back on the "bariatric surgery required" thing.

I hope Dell removes lantern from offerings in the future, that deceptive statement can really backfire at some point in my opinion and delay care. I have once been harassed over my BMI. UCH PPO is fine, I reached my pocket maximum earlier this month. I just wanted to update anyone out there that was curious on it. If you need help just go through UCH, its not that bad.

Centene is being setup to get bought out by Humana. They are in talks as I type this. Their major footprint is Medicare. Centene has a very small Medicare footprint, but a very large Medicaid footprint. Meaning, Centene needs to adjust their business model in order to stay in business. All Centene’s eggs are in one basket, and there’s no diversification in their portfolio. They can’t compete against UHG or Elevance, without increasing their membership portfolio. Therefore, the only option, merge or get bought out. It’s gonna happen…Just watch!

Who else saw John Oliver last night?...Boy did I back the wrong horse in my career choices.

We had a large layoff back in March 2026.

that's the news

https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hhs-oig-audit-humana-unitedhealthcare-medicare-advantage-upcoding-overpayments/830632/

HCA Healthcare has eliminated over 200 corporate and IT positions in Nashville. These layoffs follow a significant $400 million earnings loss in 2026. The company is simultaneously expanding its operations in Hyderabad, India. This move mirrors a broader trend of healthcare systems outsourcing functions to lower-cost global markets. The reductions are part of ongoing restructuring efforts due to mounting operating pressures.

https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/hca-healthcare-layoffs/

Dartmouth Health is eliminating over 400 positions, impacting executive, administrative, and telehealth roles. CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy stated these cuts are unavoidable due to significant healthcare industry challenges. She emphasized that the decision was made after nine months of deliberation and prioritized patient care. The majority of eliminated roles were administrative to streamline operations. Affected employees will receive support and may have opportunities to apply for other positions.

Lebanon, NH

https://www.wcax.com/2026/09/16/dartmouth-health-ceo-says-patient-care-was-focus-deciding-layoffs/

Two Centenes showed up today.

At Deutsche Bank, the investor story was margin recovery: fewer Medicaid members, a major Florida contract exit, Medicare Advantage still working toward break-even, and hundreds of millions in severance, contract-exit, and third-party “optimization” costs excluded from adjusted SG&A.

Then Centene’s Chief Health Officer posted about a fellowship built around challenging assumptions, cross-sector partnership, affordability, access, and improving outcomes for the communities Centene serves.

Neither message is false. That is what makes the split-screen so effective.

One audience gets the carefully curated story of what can be shed, repriced, exited, or adjusted to make the numbers work. The other gets the mission story about what healthcare should become.

At Centene, “challenging assumptions” appears to mean asking everyone except leadership to accept theirs.

Centene gave the Deutsche Bank crowd a perfectly respectable update today: guidance holds, Q3 trends look like Q2, Medicaid margins are positive, and the turnaround is on track. All true.

But it was also a remarkably selective story.

The same update includes Medicaid membership falling about 9% this year; management estimating 25%–40% of expansion members could eventually become ineligible under work requirements; a Florida behavioral-health exit worth roughly $1.5 billion in revenue per quarter; and Medicare Advantage aiming for growth break-even or better in 2027. The remaining Medicaid population gets sicker as less-expensive members fall away, so the whole thing depends on rates arriving on time, medical-trend initiatives working, and states doing what they are supposed to do. They said as much. “Blocking and tackling” is executive-speak for there is no margin for another miss.

Then there is the scorecard. Centene’s adjusted SG&A excludes $355M–$405M in severance and contract-exit costs, plus $85M–$115M in third-party “optimization” costs. That does not make the recovery fake. It does make the victory lap awfully curated. The cost of making the company smaller is real, even when it is parked below the adjusted line.

So no, this is not really a growth story. It is a margin-recovery story built around fewer members, fewer contracts, fewer internal costs, more repricing, and a much narrower definition of success. Wall Street may love it. It may even work. But at some point, somebody should ask what is left after every non-profitable thing has been exited, every role has been optimized, and the members who remain cost more to serve.

At Deutsche Bank, Centene’s C-suite did not explain the turnaround. They curated the acceptable nouns: fewer members became “attrition,” contract exits became “discipline,” and the cost of putting people and vendors through “optimization” became an adjustment.

Remember “Candid conversations with care?” It would appear that was just another platitude.

It is a very polished story. It is not the whole one. Cute is not the same as candid.

Several major healthcare organizations have announced substantial layoffs and role eliminations in response to financial pressures. Dartmouth Health is cutting 124 positions and closing 303 open roles, while University of Vermont Health is restructuring and eliminating 199 positions. Tenet Healthcare's Conifer Solutions will lay off over 1,000 employees due to a contract breakup. Trinity Health is also reducing its workforce by 557 employees due to IT outsourcing. These widespread cuts reflect the challenging economic climate impacting the healthcare industry.

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/fierce-healthcare-layoff-tracker-2026-job-cuts-eliminations-health-systems-hospitals

Two major Vermont healthcare providers are implementing substantial layoffs due to financial pressures. Dartmouth Health is terminating 124 employees and canceling 303 open positions. The University of Vermont Health network is laying off 199 staff members and closing two patient care units. These cuts are intended to address increasing operational costs and shrinking patient revenue. Both organizations are facing nationwide financial challenges within the healthcare industry.

Lebanon, NH and Burlington, VT

https://vtdigger.org/2026/09/15/hundreds-of-layoffs-announced-at-the-two-largest-healthcare-networks/

I just got off the phone with lantern before a procedure I was gonna have done (removal of tumor) and they said I have to go through one of their providers-- that have less than 1% complication rate.

I never called because the card says "bariatric surgery required" now they wanna slow everything down and start the whole consult all over again delaying my procedure.

I dont know what to do, what is even the point of that- seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Anyone else find it despicable they are cutting our healthcare coverage claiming to be working to lower the cost of healthcare? We don’t have the best as it is, and this is an insurance company!

Valley Immediate Care collaborates with the Northwest Seasonal Workers Association to offer essential preventive healthcare. This partnership aims to support the region's seasonal workforce, who often face financial challenges. The program provides medical benefits, helping members access care beyond emergency services. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of individuals vital to the local economy. The collaboration also extends to disaster relief and health education.

Medford, Oregon

https://rv-times.com/sponsored-content/bringing-healthcare-home-for-rogue-valleys-seasonal-workers/

Things are getting pretty bad on the Medicare side of the business. Anyone paying attention should probably get ready for some major restructuring.

Back with another NoCenteam banger, and this one hits home for me. I love old people, and I took Centene’s mission very seriously when I worked there.

I read this article and it made my blood boil.
Kudos to Kristen Hwang at CalMatters for taking the time to bring something real to the people, something besides another story about the recovery, the transformation, the margins, or changes to the business.
https://calmatters.org/health/2026/09/health-net-assisted-living-benefits-extended/

Here’s my take on what this story means through the NoCenteam lens. Fair warning: it’s longer than a page, so at least one reader may call it a “screed.” I prefer passionately calling bullsh-t when the mission and the math stop agreeing.

Let’s begin.

Sarah London recently introduced us to “Medicaid Mom.” It was a nice way to put a human face on the people behind all those membership, utilization, and margin numbers.

But Medicaid Mom gets old. Eventually she becomes Medicaid Grandma.

That's when “our most vulnerable,” “one person at a time,” “meeting members where they live,” and dignity stop being talking points and become a test.

Health Net is walking away from an assisted-living benefit serving thousands of mostly elderly, low-income Californians, many with dementia or other cognitive impairments. The problem? Too many were moving from home into assisted living instead of from nursing homes into assisted living.

In other words, get Medicaid Grandma out of a nursing home and she's a SAVINGS. Keep her from going into one in the first place and she's a COST.

Meanwhile, Centene is talking margin progression, profitability, shareholder value, and an industry-leading cost structure.

Our friend Gavin's California apparently read the mission statement. Regulators found eight deficiencies, warned of risks to member safety and continuity of care, and ordered individualized transition plans. Advocates say some members could face skilled nursing or homelessness.

So welcome to the latest transformation program:

ISP: Involuntary Senior Placement.

Because nothing says “meeting members where they live” like deciding they can’t stay there.

Maybe the spreadsheet works better for the business. Maybe the margin clears 3%. But if the business plan depends on moving vulnerable seniors out of the homes they chose, then the real cost isn't just measured in dollars. It's measured in fear, disruption, and the loss of control over the most basic decision a person has left: where they get to live.

Margins recover, share prices recover, and even reputations can be repaired. But for someone with dementia, being forced from home is not a line item or a temporary setback. It can mean losing familiarity, stability, and the last place that still feels like theirs.

Seniors deserve more than a place to be managed. They deserve the right to choose where they live and the dignity to remain there.

Anyone know if or when there will be layoffs in September? Impacted entities or department? Specifically Optum health and Optum care

"We The People" are the su-kers!

Both the Democratic and Republican parties share responsibility for the structural issues within the U.S. health insurance system. They have shaped it through entirely different ideological approaches and legislative actions. Rather than a singular party being solely to blame, experts generally view the current system as a product of decades of bipartisan compromises, corporate lobbying, and conflicting political philosophies.

Health insurance is simi-legal fraud. From an economic perspective, critics argue that the private health insurance industry acts as a heavily bureaucratic middleman that adds cost without adding medical value. Health insurance is profit-driven. While health insurance companies operate legally under strict federal and state regulations, many of their standard business practices are deceptive and predatory to patients who pay premiums only to face denied claims or massive, unexpected bills. The underlying tension exists because private health insurance companies operate as profit-maximizing corporations, whereas consumers view healthcare as an essential, life-saving need.

Several systemic corporate mechanics shift financial risk and administrative burdens onto patients. This framework gives insurance companies a perverse incentive: to increase total profits, they must allow overall healthcare costs to rise, as a fixed percentage of a larger number yields a higher dollar return.
• The Illusion of Coverage (Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Maxes)
• Claim Denials via Prior Authorization
• Narrow Networks
• The Complexity of "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB)

This is what is just one of many things wrong with having large for-profit corporations to be handling the administration of Medicare. They are part of the problem of fraud, waste, and abuse…NOT the solution.

When a large corporation, owns several pieces of the supply chain, both acting as the insurer but also owning hospital facilities, labs, and urgent care centers, these same health insurance corporations can push providers to have procedures done in day a costly surgical hospital, even though the procedure would normally be done as a simple outpatient with local anesthetic. The difference between the two can be from $18,000 to just $3,000, for just this one example in the article. But I have read about much worse examples than even this with disparaging costs on the hundreds of thousands.

Please feel free to read either article, which are the same but in case you trust one news source over the other I am supplying both.

https://kffhealthnews.org/news/vertical-integration-high-health-costs-prices-hospital-mergers-pharmacies-pbms/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vertical-integration-healthcare-higher-patient-bills/

I have not figured the how as of yet but we really, I mean really, need to figure out some way to convince CMS and our federal government that there is a much better way than to continue using these very large for-profit health insurance conglomerates (e.g., Humana, United, Elevance/Anthem, Cigna, Centene) that are just siphoning off tax payer’s money while providing very little incentive to increase the health of Medicare members but instead just make overly paid executives and shareholders wealthier.

We also need to convince CMS that those same corporations are doing very little to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

I know that there are some extremely smart people on here that are also not happy with these same corporations as to the way are now doing things. Yes, there may have been a day when you were proud of the work they were doing. But those are days from memory and you will recall those are from half a decade or more since.

I believe the longer things drag out, the ship will not right itself; it will only get worse for the Medicare members and also worse for American citizen employees. Now, is the time to come up with an action plan and begin implementing.

Unfortunately, it would probably be too difficult for us to be able to network and meet up as a large group. So, each person will probably need to smartly come ip with ways to legally and peaceably chip away at these corporations from many different angles to bring them down and/or convince CMS and Federal Government that these large for-profit corporations (e.g., Humana, United, Elevance/Anthem, Cigna, Centene) are NOT the way to go.

MultiCare Health System is implementing layoffs affecting 138 positions, with a significant portion impacting four Spokane-area clinics. These cuts, effective November 6, are attributed to mounting financial pressures and cost inflation. The health system has experienced substantial losses totaling approximately $652 million between 2022 and 2025. CEO Bill Robertson cited increased pharmaceutical and labor costs, along with legislative changes, as key drivers for these financial challenges. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency and ensure the organization's future relevance.

Tacoma, Washington

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article317166708.html

Florida WellMed clinics sold off to TPG announced this morning: https://finance.yahoo.com/healthcare/articles/unitedhealth-sells-interest-florida-wellmed-005524593.html

Another major blow. And it will get worse.

Trinity Health is implementing significant workforce reductions, impacting 557 employees in Livonia. These layoffs are a direct result of the organization's decision to outsource its information and technology services. The affected positions span various IT roles, with "Service Desk Support I" seeing the largest number of eliminations. This move follows an earlier announcement in June regarding a strategic shift in IT service delivery. The company cited the accelerating pace and complexity of healthcare technology as a reason for partnering with an external provider.

Livonia, Michigan

https://www.wxyz.com/news/trinity-health-laying-off-557-workers-in-livonia-after-outsourcing-it-services

A home care provider is laying off 738 employees due to a health insurer's decision to discontinue certain services. These layoffs are scheduled to occur on September 15th. The insurer, Health Net, is ending its Personal Care and Homemaker Services program. This program is an optional community support under Medi-Cal managed care plans. The company expressed disappointment and is working with stakeholders to manage the transition.

El Segundo, California

https://homehealthcarenews.com/2026/09/24-hour-home-care-to-lay-off-over-700-employees/

Seriously, with the constant push for mega tech corpo culture these past few years will Medtronic ever return to its actual mission of helping patients rather than helping “consumers”?

Now its not just I.T. feeling the pain , and navigators are mostly remote

Stanford Health Care and John Muir Health are implementing layoffs impacting a significant number of employees. Stanford Health Care will eliminate 79 positions at one location and 16 at another. John Muir Health is cutting a total of 78 roles across Contra Costa County. These workforce reductions are effective in early November. The notices were filed according to the WARN report.

Palo Alto, California

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/stanford-health-care-john-muir-health-announce-layoffs/

I am confused why they have these roles available, did they lay off too many nurses or what? Is this something Sarah didn’t think through, now you are offering 2500-5000 sign on bonus for these roles.

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.

HCA Healthcare has announced a reduction in a small percentage of its positions. The company cited increasing operational costs, a rise in uninsured patients, and evolving healthcare policies as reasons for the decision. These changes are intended to ensure the long-term strength and patient service capabilities of HCA Healthcare. Affected employees will receive support, including severance and outplacement services. Despite these cuts, HCA Healthcare continues to hire for roles nationwide.

Nashville, Tennessee

https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/hca-healthcare-layoffs/

US health systems are increasingly opting for vendor partnerships to manage IT operations instead of direct layoffs. This trend allows organizations to reduce costs while avoiding the negative publicity associated with job cuts. Care New England's transfer of IT employees to Kyndryl serves as a prominent example of this emerging strategy. This model offers a middle ground for health systems facing financial pressures. The shift reflects a broader move towards business process outsourcing across administrative functions.

Rhode Island

https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/health-systems-ease-it-layoffs/

Crothall Healthcare is ending its contract with VCU Health in Richmond. The healthcare services company will cease all operations at the hospital system. All affected employees are scheduled to be laid off on October 31. This closure is permanent, according to the company. However, many employees may find new roles with a different contractor.

Richmond, Virginia

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/vcu-layoffs-richmond-sept-1-2026

Crothall Healthcare is implementing significant workforce reductions. The company plans to eliminate 545 positions. This decision impacts numerous employees across its operations. The exact reasons for these layoffs were not detailed. This move signifies a substantial change for the healthcare support services provider.

Malvern, Pennsylvania

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/

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???