MY TURN: Community concern over changes to Kootenai Health's pool therapy services
Kootenai Health completed its transition from a public hospital district to a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization on Jan. 1, 2024. This change, approved by the board of trustees in May 2023, was to enhance patient care and expand services. However, there are concerns that, contrary to this intent, the transition may be resulting in a reduction of patient care and services.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the fee for pool therapy has increased from $5 to $15 per visit — a 200% hike — while available hours have been slashed from 20 hours per week to just four hours per week. Many community members believe these measures prioritize financial gains over accessible, affordable healthcare for those who need it most.
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