Blue Cross Blue Shield Lays Off 58 People

Blue Cross Blue Shield Lays Off 58 People

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island announced yesterday that it has eliminated 103 positions on its staff, laying off 58 employees and cutting 45 other positions that had been vacant.

The company said the cutback was part of its “ongoing efforts to moderate the long-term cost of healthcare.”

“The decision to reduce our workforce was very difficult, particularly during these challenging economic times,” said Laura Calenda, a BCBSRI spokesperson.

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“But as part of our ongoing commitment to provide Rhode Islanders with access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and to ensure BCBSRI’s financial stability, it was necessary to reduce our operating expenses," Calenda added. "We have an obligation to our members to ensure that we are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Even with the layoffs, the company continues to employ more than 1,000 people.