Christopher Snowbeck
Reporter
BusinessSince 1994, Snowbeck has covered health care stories at four newspapers including the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Daily Progress of Charlottesville, Va. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, two daughters and two cats. He graduated from Carleton College as a history major with a concentration in medieval studies. He serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists. He's also a runner.
Latest from Christopher Snowbeck
Fairview says it’s owed $100M by UCare as court orders consumer protections for patients
A Ramsey County judge backed a state petition for ‘rehabilitation’ at the health insurer, which ultimately will be liquidated.
December 19, 2025
UCare snag forcing 2,500 to scramble for new Medicare coverage
Insurance agents say seniors can hurry to find replacement Medigap policies, but call the short notice “shocking.”
December 18, 2025
Agreement will keep Fairview in UnitedHealthcare’s network for 2026
The insurer says it is working with the health system to finalize the deal, which Fairview says will ensure “full, uninterrupted” access for patients.
December 16, 2025
U donors criticize firings and upheaval in Medical School tussle
Charitable groups say they want Dr. Jakub Tolar to continue as University of Minnesota Medical School dean. The U said it does not comment on personnel matters.
December 16, 2025
Job shock for about 700 workers as UCare moves toward shutdown
About 250 will see layoffs in January, and the future is uncertain for another 450 who can keep working as UCare sells assets to rival insurer Medica, which is hiring hundreds at the same time.
December 11, 2025
State seeks takeover at UCare after ‘hazardous’ financial conditions at health insurer
The court petition for ‘rehabilitation’ would allow for an orderly wind down at the HMO, regulators say, plus a smooth transition for enrollees.
December 9, 2025
Resolving dispute, Minnesota Blue Cross strikes in-network deal for St. Luke’s in Duluth
Eagan-based health insurer did not disclose financial terms of agreement with Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health.
December 8, 2025
Former UnitedHealth CEO McGuire to join health care talks between Fairview, U of M
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is tapping a retired judge and Dr. William McGuire for negotiations between the U, its doctors and Fairview Health Services.
December 8, 2025
Seniors protest cuts to Minnesota Blue Cross gym program
Rally outside the insurer’s Eagan-based headquarters follows decision to drop gyms at Life Time, YMCA of the North
December 3, 2025
What the struggle over money and power at the U of M Medical School means for Minnesota
The university, its doctors and Fairview are negotiating once again after rhetorical fireworks this month.
November 26, 2025
Editor's Pick
Minnesota Blue Cross dropping YMCA, Life Time from fitness program for 26,000 seniors
The state’s largest Medicare health insurer cites cost pressures in a decision that’s being panned by beneficiaries.
November 25, 2025
Where the health insurance tax credit debate hits hardest in Minnesota
MNsure says vanishing and shrinking subsidies could increase health insurance costs across Minnesota — by as much as $25,000 in an extreme case.
November 21, 2025
