In a shocking turn of events, Business Management Inc. (BMI), based in Great Bend, abruptly shut down early Wednesday morning. The closure has possibly 100 employees in limbo, grappling with sudden job loss and uncertainty over their health insurance.

The unexpected closure came after a text message notification late Tuesday night, announcing a mandatory virtual meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2024. During the meeting, employees were informed that BMI, a division of ValueHealth Administrators, had filed for bankruptcy and ceased all operations. The Wichita office, which had transitioned to remote work earlier this year, has also closed.

One employee, who chose to remain anonymous, shared details with the Great Bend Tribune. According to the source, employees were informed that their personal belongings would be shipped to their homes and that a bankruptcy representative would follow up via email. Final paychecks were distributed a week early, as all assets were frozen starting Wednesday. “Some of us got paid a couple of hundred dollars for severance pay. It wasn’t anything I’d write home about.”

BMI, established in 1995, served as a third-party administrator for health insurance, working with entities like USD 428 and Barton Community College. USD 428 Assistant Superintendent John Popp assured employees that their health insurance remains valid, although the district is actively seeking a new third-party administrator. Barton Community College Vice President of Administration Mark Dean echoed Popp’s sentiment, noting that they are still gathering information about the situation.

Both Popp and Dean learned of the closure on Wednesday morning, leaving them scrambling for solutions. Efforts by the Tribune to reach BMI/ValueHealth officials for comment went unanswered.

As employees navigate the aftermath of BMI’s sudden closure, the focus now shifts to resolving their immediate concerns and securing new employment and health insurance coverage.