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
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
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