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BOISE — Saltzer Health, one of the largest health care providers in the Treasure Valley, on Thursday announced intentions to sell or close its operations by March 29.
Intermountain Health acquired the company on Oct. 1, 2020, but is now looking for a buyer.
"Like many health systems across the country, Saltzer has faced significant financial pressures as the rising cost of providing care, driven by inflation, has increased since the pandemic. Saltzer leaders say vital contracts and other market relationships did not progress as had been hoped for, making it financially challenging," a Saltzer spokesman said in a statement.
The announcement applies to all locations in Treasure Valley, which includes Idaho's three largest cities, Boise, Nampa and Meridian. "Saltzer Health has more than 400 employees and serves just under 80,000 patients annually. Saltzer also has around 80 physicians across 11 facilities in Ada and Canyon counties," according to Boise TV station KTVB.
Saltzer is negotiating with other companies that may be interested in purchasing some of the company to preserve continuity of care for patients. It said employees at operations included in any sales may be able to continue their employment.
Saltzer said it plans to work closely with both caregivers and patients during the transition.
The announcement gives caregivers less than two months to address transitions for patients who need continuing care, while dealing with uncertainty around their own future career and financial situation.
Both Saltzer Health and Intermountain Health were involved with a community health needs assessment for Treasure Valley published in 2023 which addressed health needs for over half of Idaho residents. It established three priorities — safe, affordable housing; behavioral health and access to health care.
All but one of the counties in the assessment had shortages of primary care health professionals.
The assessment said people reported difficulty with waitlists, trouble scheduling urgent appointments and difficulty finding specialty care.
Over 30% of those responding to the survey said health care services are insufficient in their communities.
The document reported Treasure Valley has about 84 primary care physicians for every 100,000 residents, which is higher than the statewide average of 72. However, health district 3, which encompasses the southwest area of the region and not the Boise area, has only 37 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents.
