Sequester-related cuts are having an impact at Delaware Hospice.
The organization announced its second round of layoffs this year Tuesday. 52 employees were let go as the provider of end of life care restructured in the wake of Medicare reimbursement cuts caused due to the federal sequester and other issues.
“All hospices today must adjust to yet another decrease in Medicare reimbursement that was effective April 1 due to the implementation of sequestration cuts," said Delaware Hospice President and CEO Susan Lloyd in statement. "These reimbursement cuts, coupled with two others in recent years and significantly more restrictive interpretations of the regulations governing hospice have created a need for Delaware Hospice to reexamine its operations.”
The company went through a similar round of layoffs in January when 52 positions in Delaware and Pennsylvania were eliminated. The company has now cut about one fourth of its staff since the beginning of the year.
Lloyd empahasized no programs or services have been eliminated, but the organization will seek “greater efficiencies” and “reinvest resources” to ensure Delaware Hospice can continue to provide service to patients and families in need.
“We very much regret that highly valued colleagues and friends have been impacted," said Lloyd in a statement. "After much examination and consideration, we believe that these changes will help us remain the strong organization providing excellent services that the community has counted on for over 30 years.”