Rep. Kelly Fights for Ellwood City Hospital Employees

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today sent an official letter to the U.S. Department of Labor to help ensure a speedy resolution to recent paycheck problems for employees at Ellwood City Hospital in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

Kelly hopes to work with the U.S. Department of Labor in resolving compensation issues.  This statement comes the same week as State Rep. Aaron Bernstine has sent a letter requesting that Lawrence County District Attorney, Joshua Lamancusa, open an investigation into the issues at Ellwood City Medical Center. [VIEW VIDEO]

And most recently, according to a LeeDaily.com report, and in a recent memo to Americore Health hospital employees, CEO Grant White indicated that Americore will begin to self-insure its employees using the company’s own products and services beginning February 1. The Big ONE 106.3 FM WRIL first obtained and reported on the memo on Monday.

Text of Rep. Kelly’s letter:

Dear Deputy Administrator Davidson,

I would like to follow up on conversations between our staffs regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) investigation of chronic paycheck delays at Ellwood City Hospital.  I hope the DOL will act swiftly to ensure these employees are fairly compensated for their work.

Ellwood City Hospital is located in Lawrence County and has been serving the local community since 1913.  The hospital was acquired in 2017 by Americore Health, LLC, which is based in southern Florida.  Since then, the hospital has delayed or issued bounced paychecks on at least six occasions, even after laying off 25 percent of its staff in September 2018. 

In addition, my office has received numerous complaints from hospital employees that their health insurance coverage has lapsed because of non-payment.  I request that the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration also act to guarantee that their health insurance coverage is in good standing.

This situation is making it difficult for hospital employees, vendors, and contractors to pay their own bills.  My hardworking constituents deserve financial certainty, so I urge you to ensure that they receive their paychecks and benefits in a timely manner.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely,

Mike Kelly
Member of Congress

[VIEW FULL LETTER]