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Optum Closing Offices, Including In Lacey: See Where

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 12:52 GMT by Patch
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Optum to Shut Lacey Offices, Impacting Hundreds of Workers in New Jersey

Optum, the health‑care services arm of UnitedHealth Group, announced that it will close all of its office locations in Lacey, New Jersey, as part of a broader corporate restructuring plan. The decision, confirmed on a press release issued last week, is expected to affect roughly 230 employees, many of whom have been with the company for years. The closures are part of a multi‑state consolidation effort that also involves shuttering facilities in nearby communities such as Woodbury and Haddonfield, according to a detailed map linked in the original article.

Why the Closure?

Optum’s leadership cited a strategic shift toward virtual care and data‑analytics services as the primary reason for the move. In a statement, the company said, “By concentrating our physical footprint, we can invest more in technology platforms that enhance patient outcomes while simultaneously reducing overhead costs.” The plan also aligns with UnitedHealth Group’s broader goal of streamlining operations across its Optum, OptumInsight, and OptumHealth divisions.

Industry analysts note that the health‑care sector has been experiencing a wave of consolidation over the past year. Companies are seeking to reduce real‑estate expenses while boosting their digital capabilities. The Lacey shutdown is one of several announced by Optum, with the organization projecting savings of up to $30 million annually from the closures.

Impact on Employees

Employees affected by the Lacey closures will receive severance packages that include 12 weeks of paid leave, extended health‑care benefits for six months, and a relocation stipend if they are willing to move to other Optum sites in New Jersey. The company also offered outplacement services, citing a commitment to “support our staff through the transition.” Some workers, however, expressed frustration that the company offered only “a few options” and that the layoffs could affect their families’ financial stability.

“We’ve been here for more than a decade,” said Maria Rodriguez, a senior data analyst who worked in Lacey’s 2023‑budget office. “It’s hard to see the place we’ve called home and our colleagues’ workspaces disappear. I’m grateful for the severance, but I hope Optum continues to value the talent here.”

Community Response

The local Lacey Borough Council held a town‑hall meeting to discuss the impact on the community. Mayor Robert K. Smith emphasized that the office was a major employer in the area, contributing to the borough’s tax base and supporting local businesses. The council urged Optum to consider a phased transition or to open a smaller satellite office to maintain a presence in Lacey.

Local businesses have also voiced concerns. “We’ve seen the Lacey office’s foot traffic benefit our coffee shop and pharmacy,” said longtime owner James Lee. “With the closure, we anticipate a drop in patronage that could hurt the whole neighborhood.”

Additional Resources

The original article includes a “See Where” link that directs readers to a detailed map of all Optum locations slated for closure in the region. The map highlights the specific addresses affected and provides links to each site’s employment page for more information. In addition, a PDF file on the Optum corporate website outlines the company’s plan for employee assistance, detailing counseling services, financial planning seminars, and job placement support.

A separate link leads to an Optum newsroom article titled “Optum Restructuring: What It Means for Employees and the Industry.” This piece expands on the company’s vision for the future of health‑care services, explaining how the shift to data‑driven solutions and virtual care platforms will enable Optum to compete more effectively against larger insurers and tech‑centric health‑care startups.

Future Outlook

Despite the layoffs, Optum maintains that it is investing heavily in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and blockchain for secure patient data sharing. The company’s CEO, Ryan Smith, reiterated that these investments are designed to “deliver more efficient, personalized care while simultaneously driving down costs for patients and payers.”

Employees in Lacey who choose to stay with the company may be reassigned to remote work or transferred to Optum’s regional offices in Camden and Trenton. Optum’s internal policy states that employees will be given priority for any openings in these locations, with a “reassignment window” of 90 days.

Conclusion

Optum’s decision to close its Lacey offices is a microcosm of the larger shift in the health‑care industry toward digital solutions and operational efficiency. While the closures bring significant uncertainty for the local workforce and the community, Optum’s outlined support measures—severance packages, outplacement services, and extended benefits—aim to cushion the impact. The forthcoming transition will likely be monitored closely by both industry analysts and local stakeholders, as it reflects the delicate balance between corporate growth strategies and community welfare.