COLUMBUS, Ohio - Nationwide Health Plans, an affiliate of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. that provides health insurance in Ohio and California, will begin cutting about 350 jobs next year, a spokesman for the larger company said late Tuesday.

It isn't clear which cities will see the cuts or what positions will be affected, spokesman Eric Hardgrove said.

Employees were told about the plan Tuesday, but there has been no formal announcement, Hardgrove said. The process should take 12 to 15 months.

The cuts are necessary because of "shifts in the marketplace," Hardgrove said, adding that he couldn't be more specific.

"We hope to try to find these individuals other opportunities within the Nationwide family," he said, noting there are about 375 open positions in Ohio.

Nationwide specializes in retirement products and life insurance. The Columbus-based corporation employs about 35,000 people, according to its Web site.

ON THE NET

Nationwide: http://www.nationwide.com

_______________________________

Associated Press

Copyright © 2004 Knight Ridder.