Meritus Health Laying Off 60

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Meritus Health is cutting 120 positions, including 60 current workers, and reducing hours for another 43 workers.

The Herald-Mail reports that President and CEO Joseph Ross said Monday that the health system's revenues are shrinking due to federal budget cuts and increased costs due to uninsured patients. Ross says the moves will free up $6 million and $7 million. He says positions affected include a mix of full- and part-time jobs at the hospital near Hagerstown and other Meritus-owned properties.

Meritus also operates a laboratory, an urgent-care center and Meritus Enterprises Inc., a for-profit arm that runs doctors' practices and other health services. Washington County lists Meritus as its second-largest employer with 2,860 employees in 2012 to 2013.

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