T-L Photo/JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH New developments continue to arise at East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry, where employees were informed Tuesday that they should seek insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and that the operating room cannot perform laparoscopic procedures until further notice.

MARTINS FERRY — Employees of East Ohio Regional Hospital are being advised to seek coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace as owner Dr. John Johnson seeks a third-party administrator for an alternative after The Health Plan canceled its policy on Feb. 17.

Meanwhile, the facility’s operating room will not perform any elective or emergent cases that require or could potentially require laparoscopic equipment until further notice.

Rick Oliver, director of human services for EORH, notified employees via email Tuesday that because The Health Plan canceled employees’ coverage, staff members are no longer being charged for that plan as their payroll is being processed.

“The reinstatement of The Health Plan coverage is up in the air at this moment,” Oliver wrote on behalf of the hospital’s Executive Team.

He added that Johnson is in the process of contracting with a new TPA for an alternative health insurance plan.

“We understand the importance of healthcare coverage and want to assure you that resolving this matter is a priority for us,” Oliver noted. ” … Unfortunately, we do not have an exact timeline for when the new coverage will be available. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and fully recognize the potential impact on your healthcare needs.”

In the meantime, he wrote, due to the lack of employer-sponsored health insurance, affected staff members are now eligible for a special enrollment period through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Oliver noted that The Health Plan can provide a Certificate of Health Plan Coverage to confirm the termination date of Feb. 17 for any employees who need one.

In a separate email sent by Dr. Michael Tatro and signed by Dr. David Schaffer, chief medical officer, staff members were informed about the limitations imposed on the operating room.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to reprocess laparoscopic scopes at this time,” it states. “This unfortunately means the OR will not be able to take on any elective or emergent cases that require any laparoscopic equipment (or potential of) until further notice. We are working to remedy this situation as soon as possible. We will update you all promptly.”

No further explanation of the situation was provided.

A variety of challenges have unfolded at EORH in recent weeks and months. In addition to delays in issuing payroll on a couple of occasions, the hospital also is in talks with the Belmont County treasurer regarding more than $1.2 million in unpaid property taxes. Unless that bill is resolved, there is a possibility the treasurer will file for foreclosure.

The hospital also announced last week that it will be closing its long term care and skilled nursing facilities, raising concerns among employees and Martins Ferry residents about its financial status and the future of the hospital.

EORH administrators, including Chief Operating Officer Julie Ross, have not responded to several requests for comment.