The number of planned layoffs in the U.S. dropped to a three months low according to the consultant outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. Planned layoffs in September by U.S. companies was 40,289 compared to 50,462 in August. This is nearly a 20 percent decline. Healthcare and the finance sector saw the largest planned layoffs. For example, lower reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid due to Obamacare caused the industry to phase out 8,128 employees for the month of September. On the other hand, the financial sector plans to cut 6,932 workers in September. The restaurant industry saw the fewest layoff announcements, which reflects current trends in the job market.