800 Universal Health Care Workers to Lose Jobs

Universal Health Care – plagued by charges of mismanagement – will lay off a total of 800 workers, as the company heads toward insolvency, according to Bay News 9.

A first wave of layoffs came Monday at the company's St. Petersburg headquarters, at 100 Central Ave., Bay News 9 reports:

"Hundreds are expected to lose their jobs by the end of the week. The first group of layoffs was mostly sales staff. The Medicare insurer is being liquidated by April 1, meaning its 140,000 members will be placed with other health plans."

Universal Health Care has been accused of mismnagament and diversion of funds, as it undergoes a state investigation.

The company also has offices in Spring Hill and Mississippi. Universal Health Care is headed by Dr. Akshay Desai, a Snell Isle resident and major donor for the state Republican Party. He was the 2012 chair of the Republican Party of Florida's Finance Committee.

The following information is now posted on the company's website:

Universal Health Care, Inc. and Universal Health Care Insurance Company, Inc. were ordered into receivership on March 21 by a Leon County Circuit Court judge. The company is fully cooperating with the Florida Department of Financials Services in the transition of our members. Any questions regarding the receivership should be directed to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The receivership action does not impact either Universal HMO of Texas, Inc. or Universal Health Care of Nevada, Inc. which were sold through a bankruptcy auction last month. The Company is still working diligently with the successful bidder to finalize the sale. Beneficiaries and providers of those entities will continue to receive services and payments as usual.

Please refer to the contact information below with any questions or concerns.

Questions about Receivership

Florida Department of Financial Services

(850) 413-3089
1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236)
www.myfloridacfo.com

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