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
M Health Fairview brand ending by next year with newly approved agreement
The U and Fairview say patients will continue to have access to the same doctors as the deal changes health system branding.
January 30, 2026
UnitedHealth Group shares fall nearly 20% as company forecasts lower sales this year
Rival insurers also saw share price declines as Eden Prairie-based insurer said it might have to cut benefits for seniors in 2027.
January 27, 2026
Budget woes force 100 job cuts at Hennepin County’s safety-net hospital
Hennepin Healthcare, the parent of HCMC in Minneapolis, says it will close certain services including chiropractic as well as a sleep clinic.
January 26, 2026
New Fairview deal provides at least $600M for U of Minnesota health programs
The 10-year agreement funds the U Medical School plus research and clinical care while investing $1 billion in medical facilities on the university campus.
January 26, 2026
Minnesota CEOs break silence on ICE surge, killings
More than 60 Minnesota executives penned a letter Sunday calling for an “immediate de-escalation” after the killing of Alex Pretti.
January 25, 2026
Congress grills UnitedHealth CEO Stephen Hemsley on claim denials, insurance costs
Lawmakers questioned the Eden Prairie-based company’s business practices and whether its large size adds to affordability troubles.
January 22, 2026
Hennepin County’s hospital aims to cut $50 million in costs amid ‘dire’ financials
New interim leaders say the Minneapolis hospital is “now fully in crisis mode.”
January 20, 2026
Fewer Minnesotans have opted for MNsure health insurance. More could drop soon
State officials said higher premiums and diminished federal tax credits mean some people likely feel they can’t afford coverage.
January 19, 2026
U of M medical school dean leaving amid instability
Dr. Jakub Tolar, who led the medical school since 2017, has been named CEO at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas.
January 15, 2026
UCare CEO salary topped $1M as the health insurer foundered
Compensation for Hilary Marden-Resnik declined, but still stood out given insurer’s failure. The CEO is stepping down with the Jan. 1 sale of UCare assets to a competitor.
January 11, 2026
Allina says UCare owes it $70M for unpaid medical bills
Minneapolis-based health system wants to intervene in court proceedings guiding the health insurer’s wind-down.
January 7, 2026
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
