Optum proceeding with plans for R.I. layoffs, looking to hire 400 new employees in Boston

PROVIDENCE – HealthSource RI may not have chosen a new vendor to operate its call center at Royal Little Drive yet, but Optum is proceeding with plans to lay off the 60 employees who work there in April.
Optum’s three-year contract with HSRI ends March 31.
“Optum was honored to help the people of Rhode Island gain access to health insurance, and we are committed to working with the state on a smooth transition so Rhode Islanders continue to have a positive customer service experience,” Optum spokesman Matt Stearns said in a statement.
A new vendor is slated to take over April 1, and HSRI spokeswoman Maria Tocco said the announcement is expected soon. Ten companies bid on the contract, including Optum.
Optum, in advance of the announcement, filed a notice with the state Department of Labor and Training as required by federal law about the impending layoffs. The law states employers must give 60 days advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff.
Optum, a health care technology company, is a division of UnitedHealth Group. Optum provides technology and consulting, and manages pharmacy benefits.
Meanwhile, Optum is consolidating its Massachusetts operations in Wakefield, Waltham and Brighton into one space in Boston. That means 400 people will move into the new space on Boylston Street in the Van Ness building in the spring. Stearns said another 400 jobs will be added at the facility over the next 12 to 24 months. He said these jobs are different from the ones at the call center in Providence, however, as they are tech-related. Positions in software development and data analytics are among those that will be hired.
Stearns said the company was drawn to the location because of the number of tech businesses, and opportunities to attract tech talent.
“It’s an exciting and vibrant neighborhood,” Stearns said.

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