Our Shit is Too Expensive

Health insurance carrier cutting health insurance for employees.

WellPoint Inc., the largest U.S. insurer, dismissed a "small number" of workers last week and announced cuts to employee health benefits Friday, in its latest attempt to deal with the recession's toll on enrollment.

WellPoint eliminated the positions last week and expects to let more go before year's end, though the number will be "relatively small," Kristin Binns, a spokeswoman, said in a telephone interview. The company will also raise deductibles and premiums for some of its employee health benefits, the Indianapolis-based insurer told workers in a memo obtained by Bloomberg.

What a shame. People who make their living finding ways to cut people off from the benefits when they become ill are having their benefits reduced. So sad. It almost turns my smile into a grin.

In the memo from Randy Brown, WellPoint's chief human resources officer, the company said it would lower its contribution toward worker premiums and raise deductibles in two of its three benefit plans. "Your cost per paycheck will probably increase," the memo said.

But, if you can find away for the company to cut off some sickly orphans from the insurance rolls, we will give you a bonus.