Santa Clara County Wants to Help Laid-Off Tech Workers with Medical Care

On a day that thousands of tech workers have learned their jobs are at risk, Santa Clara County wants the public to know there are health care options when their severance plan expires.

Microsoft announced the layoff of 10,000 people, about four dozen of them in Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, Amazon plans to lay off 18,000 employees.

Tech workers across the Bay Area are understandably nervous.

Layoffs were the most popular topic on Twitter on Wednesday. Santa Clara County, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, said it wants to soften the landing for those who have lost their jobs.

“Many of those being laid off are young tech workers and have never had to deal with a dramatic loss of income or loss of health insurance,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.

With a focus on health insurance, Santa Clara County is sending laid-off workers to Covered California.

“And that will provide access to a very broad group of hospitals and clinics, and that’s another way we can help, this primary health care plan is available through Valley Health Plan and through Valley Medical Center, where enrollment takes place.” Laura Rosas said. , CEO of Valley Health Plan.

There are more technical vacancies. Companies such as Palo Alto-based Aisera have said they, like others, plan to take advantage of cutbacks at large companies for hiring.

“The best companies that I would say are everything related to AI, automation, contact these companies. While you’re at it, the second step is to attend classes, have a few meetings,” he said.

Many of these layoffs come from fear, fear that tech companies have grown too fast over the past few years and fear that inflation-worried consumers will cut back on their spending.

Santa Clara County hopes that those facing layoffs will have one less health problem to worry about.

Layoffs continue for Bay Area tech workers. As Amazon and Microsoft have announced, they are laying off thousands of employees. Scott Budman has the latest details.