Calling it a “regrettable but necessary” reduction of its workforce, Humana announced it will cut 2,500 positions this year, but balance that with 1,100 additional jobs in some departments, including medical cost containment, specialty products and pharmacy management.

The net loss of 1,400 positions equates to 5% of the Louisville, Ky.-based insurer’s workforce and will come primarily from attrition, process efficiencies, outsourcing and position eliminations, according to a statement.

Michael B. McCallister, Human’s president and chief executive officer, said the announcement “reaffirms our commitment to positioning Humana for future growth.

“This regrettable but necessary reduction in our workforce is a direct result of Humana’s need to align the size of our company with that of our membership,” he said. “We are committed to managing this aspect of our realignment with the utmost care and sensitivity.”

Recent research by Mark Farrah Associates indicated that the nation’s top health insurance plans – including Humana – saw membership fall by 1.3% in the third quarter of 2009, but the insurer did see enrollment gains in that time period and was one of the few to see year-to-date profit margin improvement versus 2008.

Humana said all affected employees will have a 60-day transaction period with the company, which will work closely to provide access to resources and information about internal opportunities and outplacement assistance.

Those unable to obtain another position will be offered a severance package and continuation of health and other benefits, according to a statement.

McCallister noted that the workforce reduction will not impair Humana’s ability to serve its 10.3 million medial members and 7.2 million specialty benefit members. Instead, he said, the reduction is “intended to help the company create a more efficient, agile infrastructure while also providing the resources required to invest in new growth opportunities.”