HealthPartners announces salary reductions, furloughs in midst of pandemic

HealthPartners is taking steps to address the financial pinch from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to an update Thursday, one change includes reducing compensation for salaried leaders. HealthPartners President and CEO Andrea Walsh’s compensation will be reduced by 40 percent and compensation for leaders across the organization will be reduced by up to 30 percent based, on leadership level.

Another change includes furloughing about 10 percent of the company’s workforce, placing a hold on hiring and eliminating some open positions.

Meanwhile, the company is waiving costs for all Virtuwell telemedicine visits, effective through May 31 for all HealthPartners plans.

The company stated it wants to provide a safe, cost-free option for care for various conditions and screenings for COVID-19 symptoms.

A standard Virtuwell visit is about $49.

HealthPartners waiving costs for all Virtuwell visits

"We’re addressing the challenges and staying focused on our top priority – the health and safety of our patients, members and colleagues by introducing new ways to provide care and coverage," Walsh said in a statement.

HealthPartners isn’t the only care provider implementing new strategies in the midst of the pandemic.

Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic confirmed it is temporarily furloughing some staff and implementing some salary reductions as it faces "unprecedented challenges" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement: Mayo Clinic confirms temporary furloughs, salary reductions