Healthways, a publicly traded company based in Tennessee, has notified state officials that it is planning to shut down its 150-employee call center in Morrisville.
The layoffs will occur in phases that begin Dec. 31 and end on March 13. However, all employees will be paid at least through Feb. 9, according to information filed with the state.
Healthways provides preventive care and wellness services to insurers, employers and other customers. The recent decision by a significant health plan customer to not renew its contract triggered the decision to shut down the Morrisville call center, said company spokesman Chip Wochomurka.
"Given that decision, we had to step back and reduce our capacity needs," he said.
Healthways posted $166.6 million in revenue in the third quarter, down from $176.2 million a year ago. Net income totaled $5 million, down from $9.5 million.
David Ranii has been a business reporter at The News & Observer since 1993. Over the years he has covered information technology, banking, insurance, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, media businesses and real estate. Contact him at 919-829-4877 or