In the Recession, Health Care is Not Immune

Big layoffs were announced today at Loyola University Medical Center:

The Loyola University Health System in west suburban Maywood Tuesday said it will cut more than 440 jobs, or about 8 percent of its work force, amid the recession and an economic downturn causing an influx of patients who cannot pay their medical bills.

For example, the number of patients who cannot pay their bills has increased by 73 percent the medical center's expenses on charity care to $31.3 million from $18.1 million for the nine-month period ended March 31.

-Wes