PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced it has cut 74 positions throughout the company: 41 through layoffs and the rest by leaving vacancies unfilled.

The health care insurer employs about 1,160 people, not counting the layoffs, spokesman Christopher J. Medici said. The positions cut involve a range of functions within the company, from management personnel to rank-and-file employees.

It was not clear whether the staff reduction was related to health care network Care New England’s decision, announced late today, to switch its employee health-care coverage to rival Tufts Health Plan. (READ MORE)

In a statement, BCBSRI President and CEO James E. Purcell said that “the decision to cut positions and lay off some of our employees saddens me greatly.”

But, he added, “In light of the current economic conditions, and as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to provide Rhode Islanders with access to high-quality and affordable health insurance, it was necessary for us to reduce our operating expenses.”

Purcell also said that “given the challenging economic climate,” the company would be providing “enhanced assistance” to the workers who are losing their jobs.

“Despite these operational changes, BCBSRI continues to employ more than 1,000 local employees who will continue to provide superb service to all who depend on us, including members, customers and stakeholders,” Purcell concluded.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s largest health insurer, with more than 680,000 covered lives. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, go to www.bcbsri.org.