Kootenai Health and Regence BlueShield Reach Agreement

Kootenai Health and Regence BlueShield Reach Agreement, Ensuring Continued In-Network Access for Northern Idaho Patients

New multi-year contract preserves health care access for Regence members

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Kootenai Health and Regence BlueShield of Idaho announced today that they have reached a new two-year contract agreement, ensuring that Regence members will continue to have in-network access to Kootenai Health's comprehensive health care services.

The agreement preserves continuity of care for people in northern Idaho who have Regence insurance, including state employees enrolled in the Idaho state health plan. Patients can continue scheduling appointments, receiving treatment, and accessing Kootenai Health's full network of more than 250 providers and specialists without interruption.

"Throughout this process, our focus never wavered from what matters most—protecting health care access for the families and individuals who count on Kootenai Health," said Jameson Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Kootenai Health. "We advocated strongly for an agreement that serves our patients and supports our ability to continue delivering exceptional care in this community. We're grateful that we were able to reach common ground."

The new contract takes effect January 1, 2026, ensuring no gap in coverage for Regence members. Patients do not need to take any action—appointments, referrals, and ongoing treatments will continue as scheduled.

For more information, contact Kootenai Health's patient services line at (208) 625-6228.