Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is laying off an unspecified number of employees, CBS affiliate WAFB reported Aug. 7.
A company spokesperson told Becker’s in a statement that Louisiana Blue is navigating current industry challenges driven by rising medical and pharmacy costs. It is also facing changes in federal programs, especially the looming expiration of the ACA’s enhanced premium subsidies, which is slated for the end of 2025.
“Our company remains strong and viable,” the spokesperson said. “However, in order to be the best stewards of our members’ healthcare dollars, we continue to manage our costs as effectively as possible. Earlier this year, we began to streamline our workforce, primarily through attrition. Whenever possible, roles that were voluntarily vacated were not filled. In some cases, we made the difficult decision to also eliminate filled positions.”
Louisiana Blue employs about 3,000 people, according to the report.
“Our commitment to our members and Louisiana is unwavering,” the spokesperson said. “As healthcare costs continue to increase, fueled by the headwinds impacting the industry, we must take steps to help relieve cost pressures when and where we can without sacrificing the service that our members expect and need from Louisiana Blue.”
