photo by: Jennifer Compston-Strough
East Ohio Regional Hospital (EORH) in Martins Ferry is facing some big changes. On Tuesday, employees were told they need to find health insurance on their own through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This comes after their current insurance policy with The Health Plan was canceled on February 17.
This situation has led to additional operational issues, particularly in the operating room. Unfortunately, EORH cannot conduct any laparoscopic procedures for now, covering both elective and emergency cases. The hospital’s management is working hard to fix this as quickly as possible.
Rick Oliver, the director of human services, notified staff via email that they will not be billed for The Health Plan coverage since it was canceled. He shared that Dr. John Johnson, the owner, is looking for a new third-party administrator to set up alternative health insurance.
In his message, Oliver emphasized that finding a solution is a top priority for the hospital, although there is no timeline for when new coverage might be available. He acknowledged the disruption this could cause for employees and their families as they look for new healthcare options.
Since there is currently no employer-sponsored insurance, employees can enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Oliver mentioned that a Certificate of Health Plan Coverage could be provided to confirm the cancellation date for anyone needing proof.
In another email, Dr. Michael Tatro and Dr. David Schaffer informed staff about the restrictions in the operating room, stating that they can’t reprocess laparoscopic equipment right now. They assured employees they are working to resolve these issues and will keep everyone updated.
Recently, EORH has experienced various challenges, such as late payrolls and talks with Belmont County over more than $1.2 million in unpaid property taxes. This tax issue is serious enough that foreclosure could be a possibility if not resolved soon.
Additionally, the hospital recently announced the closure of its long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. This news has raised concerns among both employees and residents about the hospital’s financial health and future.
Officials, including Chief Operating Officer Julie Ross, have not commented on these developments.
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