BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- Louisiana Blue is cutting jobs as it works to manage rising health care costs and other industry challenges.

Vice President of Strategic Communications Cindy Wakefield said higher medical and prescription costs, along with changes in federal programs, including the end of extra premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, are putting pressure on expenses.

Earlier this year, Louisiana Blue started reducing its workforce mainly through attrition, and some jobs that were left open were not refilled. Wakefield said in some cases, filled positions were also eliminated.

Despite the changes, Wakefield said Louisiana Blue is financially strong and remains committed to serving its members.

"As healthcare costs continue to increase, fueled by the headwin

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