--- title: "Kootenai Health Cuts 80 Positions as Costs…" canonical: "https://www.metaintro.com/blog/kootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026" language: "en" author: "metaintro" published: "2026-11-15T10:30:15.000Z" modified: "2026-11-15T10:30:15.000Z" --- [Back to Blog](/blog) [News](/blog/tag/news)[Layoffs](/blog/tag/layoffs)[Health](/blog/tag/health)[USA](/blog/tag/usa) # Kootenai Health Cuts 80 Positions as Costs and Reimbursement Pressures Grow Kootenai Health is eliminating 80 positions in North Idaho as rising costs and reimbursement pressures drive targeted workforce changes. [![Brad Larson](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:40:40/q:72/plain/images/brad-larson-headshot.png)Brad Larson Founder & Editor](/blog/author/bradlarson) [November 15, 2026](/blog/archive/2026/11)6 min read ![A bright office floor with packed cardboard boxes on desks and a city skyline beyond](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:1200:675/q:78/plain/images/final-10315.jpg) [https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026&title=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026&title=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow)[mailto:?subject=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026](mailto:?subject=Kootenai%20Health%20Cuts%2080%20Positions%20as%20Costs%20and%20Reimbursement%20Pressures%20Grow&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fkootenai-health-layoffs-80-positions-2026) Kootenai Health confirmed on November 9, 2026, that it is eliminating 80 positions in North Idaho. The announcement was covered by the [Coeur d’Alene Press](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), which said the system [confirmed Monday that it’s eliminating 80 positions](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). At [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com), we track layoffs, store closures and return-to-office mandates in our [layoffs tracker](https://www.metaintro.com/layoffs). ## How Many Positions Are Affected? The confirmed reduction is [eliminating 80 positions](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). The organization is described as [North Idaho’s largest healthcare system and employer](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/) and a [private 501(c)(3) nonprofit that currently employs more than 4,500 staff members](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). For employees awaiting individual updates, the notification process is an immediate concern. Notifications for the eliminated positions [are either underway or will be made later this week](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), according to the announcement coverage. The employer described the affected positions as being [“are in areas where we need to improve efficiency,”](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). The decision followed an operational review. In a prepared statement, Jamie Smith said the changes [help position the health system to meet future demand while remaining financially responsible and operationally effective](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). He also said, [“They follow extensive evaluation of our operations and thoughtful discussions with leaders across the organization.”](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/) ## Why Is Kootenai Health Eliminating Positions? The financial explanation combines rising expenses with pressure on payments for care. The employer described its [“targeted workforce changes” come as it faces mounting cost increases](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). Its annual drug expenses [have increased by more than $60 million over the past two years](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). That increase was attributed to [the loss of 340B Disproportionate Share Hospital status](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), a designation associated with federal drug discounts. The main hospital [has 397 beds](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). Smith described reimbursement difficulties across public and commercial insurance. He said, [“Medicare reimbursement rates are increasing far below inflation. At the state level, Medicaid coverage and reimbursement in Idaho have been reduced,”](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). He also pointed to [commercial payers deny or delay payments, and medical supply costs are increasing by double digits](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). The healthcare trade publication also covered those pressures, describing [slow-to-increase Medicare reimbursement, higher expenses, commercial payment delays and the loss of statutory discounts](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/fierce-healthcare-layoff-tracker-2026-job-cuts-eliminations-health-systems-hospitals). Together, these are the financial conditions the employer cited for its workforce decision. ## What Support Is Available For Caregivers? The employer acknowledged the personal consequences of the reduction. Smith said it recognizes that [the changes are difficult and deeply personal for those affected](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). He described its approach as [committed to treating every caregiver with compassion, respect and transparency](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). Its prepared statement addressed both internal opportunities and support for people leaving. The organization said, [“Whenever possible, we will work to identify opportunities elsewhere within our organization and provide support resources to those transitioning out of Kootenai Health.”](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/) For job seekers considering an internal move, the system [still currently has 139 open positions](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). The trade coverage likewise noted [139 other positions that are open](https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/fierce-healthcare-layoff-tracker-2026-job-cuts-eliminations-health-systems-hospitals). The employer's commitment to identifying opportunities was expressly qualified by [Whenever possible, we will work to identify opportunities elsewhere within our organization](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). ## What Happens Next For Hospital Investments? Alongside the workforce reduction, the system described continued investment in facilities. It is [currently working on the new Prairie Medical Campus at Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue in Post Falls](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). That project includes a [25,000-square-foot Micro Hospital and 72,000-square-foot Medical Office Building](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). Smith connected expansion to demand for care. He said, [“There are times when we see volume at or near our capacity limits.”](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/) The system has [developed a master facility plan for the main campus in Coeur d’Alene](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), and Smith said, [“The first phase of this plan will begin in late 2027.”](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/) Its investment priorities also include [surgical robotics, imaging equipment and other technology](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). The employer presented the workforce changes alongside [high cost and reimbursement challenges as well as the need for major investments in facilities and programs](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). ## What Should Affected Workers Do Next? - **Review your notification.** Save a personal copy of your employment notice and any transition documents. Ask for written clarification of your final work date, pay arrangements and outstanding responsibilities. - **Ask about internal opportunities.** Compare available roles with your qualifications and preferred schedule. Request guidance on the application process and how a transfer would affect your employment terms. - **Confirm benefits arrangements.** Review when current coverage ends and what continuation options apply. Keep deadlines and required documents together so you can act promptly. - **Prepare your application materials.** Update your resume with relevant responsibilities, credentials and accomplishments. Use examples that demonstrate your skills without including confidential patient or workplace information. - **Document transition support.** Ask what career assistance and other resources are available to you. Keep contact details and written instructions accessible after workplace account access ends. ## Related Articles - [Food 4 Less in Fullerton to Close in January 2027](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/food-4-less-store-closures-fullerton-2026) - [Hertz to Close All Dedicated Car Sales Locations in Online Retail Shift](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/hertz-store-closures-all-car-sales-locations-2026) - [MegaETH Cuts 20% of Its Workforce Following Team Restructuring](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/megaeth-layoffs-20-percent-2026) - [Jaguar Land Rover Confirms 3,000 Voluntary Redundancies](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/jaguar-land-rover-layoffs-3000-2026) ## People Also Asked ### Q: How Many Positions Is Kootenai Health Eliminating? A: The employer [confirmed Monday that it’s eliminating 80 positions](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/). Notifications [are either underway or will be made later this week](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), according to the announcement coverage. ### Q: Does Kootenai Health Still Have Open Positions? A: The system [still currently has 139 open positions](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/). Its transition statement includes a commitment to [identify opportunities elsewhere within our organization and provide support resources](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/), whenever possible. ### Q: Why Did Kootenai Health Make These Changes? A: The employer cited [mounting cost increases](https://cdapress.com/news/2026/nov/10/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions/) and reimbursement pressures. Its explanation included drug expenses that [have increased by more than $60 million over the past two years](https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/nov/15/kootenai-health-lays-off-80-positions-bonner-count/) and the need for continued investment. Looking for your next opportunity? [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) brings together 50M jobs in one place. 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