Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program laying off 25 in anticipation of Medicaid cuts
Healthcare workers planned to rally before BHCHP’s headquarters in Boston’s South End.
Facing looming Medicaid cuts, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program is laying off staff and shutting down a medical respite facility in Jamaica Plain.
The organization provides critical medical care to individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the Boston area.
“BHCHP is confronting one of the most difficult financial periods in our 40-year history,” a spokesperson for the nonprofit said in a statement on Tuesday. “For the first time, we have had to make the painful decision to eliminate some positions. These decisions were made only after a thorough review and with deep appreciation for the dedication and service of the affected staff.”
Advertisement:
According to a press release from the 1199SEIU, representing the workers, the nonprofit is laying off 25 workers beginning Oct. 10.
The union says part of the layoffs include recovery workers, who they say have been crucial in helping to support those facing homelessness and substance abuse issues in the Mass & Cass area.
The program is also closing the Stacy Kirkpatrick House in Jamaica Plain, a 20-bed medical respite facility for patients experiencing homelessness to recuperate after surgery, hospital stays, or short-term injuries when they are too sick to enter a traditional shelter.
The union states that BHCHP management’s recent wage proposal to union workers was a 1.25% raise, “which, during a worsening healthcare staffing crisis, is inadequate to help recruit and retain workers. ”
Advertisement:
In response to these announcements, the union helped organize a rally that was scheduled to be held on Tuesday at noon in front of BHCHP’s headquarters in the South End.
CEO Stan McLaren told the Boston Globe that the organization announced the layoffs over a week ago and does not anticipate further cuts this year. Among the jobs lost are administrative, clinical, and support staff.
The Globe reported that the layoffs represent about 4% of the BHCHP’s workforce. Of those, 18 worked at the Stacy Kirkpatrick House.
The flagship facility, Barbara McInnis House, will remain open. The facility provides 103 medical respite beds.
McLaren told the Globe that the layoffs and closure are “difficult but necessary steps to address financial challenges and prepare for anticipated Medicaid and policy changes that threaten the sustainability of safety-net providers.”
The Globe reported that about 75% of the program’s funding comes from Medicaid, resulting in a $7 million revenue drop next year.
“Our priority continues to be the patients who rely on us every day,” the spokesperson for BHCHP said. “We are taking every step to safeguard the quality of care they receive.”
In addition, the nonprofit said it is offering “competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits” to its employees.
Advertisement:
“In these challenging times, we remain resolute in honoring our mission and supporting every member of our team,” the statement said.
In July, the U.S. Congress enacted the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that introduced sweeping changes to Medicaid, including significant federal spending cuts, eligibility restrictions, and new work requirements.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the law will cut federal Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion over ten years and cause millions to lose health coverage.
A new study from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Urban Institute estimates the new legislation will result in about 200,000 MassHealth members losing coverage.
Between 110,000 and 180,000 Massachusetts residents would be uninsured over the year following implementation — increasing the number of uninsured in the state by more than 50%.
However, the study says this underestimates the full impact because it isolates the effects of the six-month redeterminations and work reporting requirements. It doesn’t estimate the coverage loss from all the other Medicaid or Marketplace provisions.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com