Over 100 Emory Healthcare Workers Laid Off Over Obamacare

Over 100 Emory Healthcare workers have been laid off because of Obamacare.

Layoff letters went out last week; the firings go into effect November 15th. 

WSB-GA Action 2 reporter Erica Byfield says a “furious” worker contacted the station and passed along the layoff letter she received. Byfield says officials have confirmed the firings.

“The saddest part…is when, during the announcement, we were told that our job losses are due to the new Affordable Healthcare plan.” The economy was also cited as a reason for the layoffs. 

Emory Healthcare says it will close a neuropsychiatry unit and consolidate two more psychiatry units. Wesley Woods Hospital and the Center for Rehabilitation Medicine at Emory University will be among those losing employees.

Workers were told to expect the layoffs to be permanent but that there may be a chance to find other jobs in the Emory Healthcare system. 

Byfield reported that officials said the firings are “regrettable but necessary.”  

Obamacare remains highly unpopular. A CNN poll finds that 57% of Americans oppose “most” or “all” of Obamacare. And a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll says just 31% of Americans now think Obamacare is a “good idea.” Only 12% of respondents said they believe Obamacare will have a positive impact on their families.  

The Obamacare health exchanges go live in 14 days.