Recent content from Christopher Snowbeck
Bright Health paid executives $3.77 million in bonuses as the business foundered
A health care strategist calls it "pay-for-failure." The Bloomington-based health insurer said its incentives formula called for bigger bonuses.
University of Minnesota says $300 million is 'upper limit' for Fairview hospital
University officials questioned whether the institution would need to pay anything for the transfer.
New documents show fracture between U, Fairview on merger
University of Minnesota executives questioned the leadership of Fairview's "highly compensated" CEO; Fairview said the U wasn't taking shared responsibility for financial problems, in letters obtained by the Star Tribune.
Mayo Clinic's operating income fell by half last year on rising labor costs
Rochester-based Mayo reports $595 million in operating income in 2022, a more than 50% reduction as costs rise.
U of Minnesota seeks $950M to acquire, operate hospitals in Minneapolis
University officials to ask state lawmakers for funds to repurchase primary medical teaching facilities amid Fairview-Sanford merger talks.
CEO looks forward as Blue Cross of Minnesota marks 90th anniversary
Labor shortages at health care providers and for-profit competition among carriers are among the challenges facing the state's largest nonprofit health insurer.
Sanford-Fairview merger plan includes $500M for Minnesota sites
Benefactor Denny Sanford has pledged to make Sanford Health the primary beneficiary of his estate so long as headquarters remains in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Sanford-Fairview delaying merger until May 31 following pressure from state officials
Attorney General Keith Ellison's office says the health systems on Friday agreed to move their self-imposed deadline to May 31.
Medical students, Grand Rapids residents split on Sanford-Fairview merger
U medical students voiced concerns about access to abortion and other medical services; residents said Grand Rapids needs benefits like those Sanford Health brought to Bemidji.
Minnesota AG calls for delay in Sanford-Fairview merger timeline
A representative of the attorney general says Keith Ellison wants to make sure the University of Minnesota "has its fair say." Sanford's CEO says the merger can proceed with or without the U's approval.
Credit rating agency downgrades Fairview, citing continued weakness in financials
Moody's Investors Service did not factor in the proposed merger with Sanford Health or possible sale of University of Minnesota Medical Center in determining its rating.
After outsourcing trouble, Blue Cross of Minnesota hiring 300-plus to manage public insurance enrollees
Health plan will bring back work it started outsourcing in 2018 following a rocky transition that led to eight corrective action plans and $13 million in state sanctions.
Bemidji residents weigh in on proposed Sanford-Fairview merger
About two-thirds of speakers at a public meeting voiced support for the deal and the South Dakota-based health system, which has owned the town's hospital since 2011.
Talk of Sanford-Fairview mega-merger moves to Bemidji Tuesday night
Bemidji was chosen as one of several towns in greater Minnesota where South Dakota-based Sanford Health already operates medical facilities.
What you need to know about the Sanford-Fairview mega-merger
The Minnesota- and South Dakota-based health systems want to combine. Here's what we know about the plan and its potential impact on health care in the state.
U of M wants teaching hospital back as part of expansion plan
The Sanford and Fairview health systems have said the U could negotiate to repurchase the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Sanford-Fairview merger raises issues of abortion, LGBTQ care
Concerns were voiced over abortion services, mental health treatment and transgender care during a public meeting Tuesday night in St. Paul.
If U opposes Sanford-Fairview merger, it could repurchase teaching hospital, execs say
With the public overture, Sanford and Fairview are trying to show their willingness to move forward with a deal with or without the university.
Proposed Sanford-Fairview merger raises financial questions in Minnesota
University of Minnesota officials voiced concerns about the plan, cautioning that it shouldn't diminish the U's interests.
AG Ellison sets meetings for proposed Sanford-Fairview merger
Public meetings for the mega-merger between two regional health systems are scheduled for January in Bemidji, Grand Rapids, St. Paul and Worthington.
University of Minnesota leaders voice concerns about Sanford-Fairview merger proposal
President Joan Gabel and the Board of Regents chair insisted that any business deal must not sacrifice the University of Minnesota's mission.
Through reverse auctions, Minnesota pushes for PBM savings and price transparency
Two large health plans for public sector workers expect $28.5 million in savings over two years through a new contract with a pharmaceutical benefits manager.
University of Minnesota wins temporary block on UCare attempt to add board members
The university sued the HMO firm over fears it was at risk of losing its majority status on the company's board of directors.
Economists say a Sanford-Fairview merger could raise Minnesota health care costs
While they operate in different parts of the state, the health systems negotiate payment rates with the same insurers and might exert more power as a result.
Walz signals openness to revived Sanford-Fairview merger
The two health systems tried to combine in 2013, but the deal fell apart after resistance from Minnesota political leaders.
UnitedHealth Group expects revenue nearing $360B next year
The health care giant projects double-digit growth, led by its Optum division for health care services.
Dr. Malka Lotterstein Goodman, a Twin Cities adolescent psychiatrist, dies at 93
Lotterstein Goodman called her family her "lasting legacy."
Proposed Sanford-Fairview merger to get public hearings
Attorney General Keith Ellison says he's heard concerns from health care workers, farmers and people worried that charitable assets will be shipped out of state.
Justice Department appeals ruling in UnitedHealth Group antitrust case
The Minnetonka-based health care giant acquired Change Healthcare following a judge's verdict in September.
Sanford, Fairview revive merger talks after last attempt failed
The combined mega health system would be operated from South Dakota. Sioux Falls-based Sanford and Minneapolis-based Fairview signed non-binding letters of intent to merge and publicly acknowledged the negotiations on Tuesday.
Twin Cities Con celebrates comics, cosplay and generally nerdy fun
Sunday marked the conclusion of Twin Cities Con, a three-day celebration of comics, film, popular culture and various nerdy pursuits at the Minneapolis Convention Center.…
Police investigating apparent homicide in downtown St. Paul
Officers found an unresponsive man near a loading dock with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body about 2 a.m. Sunday.
Bright Health Group eliminating 99 jobs at Minnesota headquarters as pullback continues
The announcement comes one month after the health insurer disclosed a major retreat from health insurance markets in 10 states where individuals buy coverage
Blue Cross adds Albert Lea clinic, lobbied for by area seniors, to Medicare Advantage network
Seniors in the southern Minnesota town lobbied for better access after learning the outpatient center they helped create was out-of-network for a large Medicare health plan.
University of Minnesota sues Minneapolis-based UCare over control of the HMO
The U is asking a Hennepin County judge to block the board at UCare from voting on a proposal to expand membership on the 15-person board.
It's Medicare open enrollment season. Here's what Minnesotans need to know
The annual open enrollment period brings a host of considerations for seniors trying to make the best decision with health insurance options.
Parent company of Blue Cross of Minnesota to sell Livio Health, a senior care provider
Acquisition by St. Louis Park-based Lifespark marks a second sale in as many years from a division created to diversify revenue at Blue Cross's parent company.
Allina opens new heart surgery center in Edina
The facility for less-complicated heart procedures continues a partnership to develop free-standing surgery centers with a division of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group.
Family health plan premiums hold at $22,463, but employers see growth in mental health needs
Less health care use with the pandemic halted premium growth for the first time since the Kaiser Family Foundation launched annual surveys of employer health plans in 1999.
Medicare shopping season brings more choices, some premium cuts in Minnesota
The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage, Cost health plans and stand-alone Part D drug coverage runs through Dec. 7.
Allina Health, VC firm raising $20 million for 'hospital-at-home' startup in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis-based health system developed its program when access to hospital care was limited during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota medical ethicist: 'Once we're born, we're in a terminal condition'
Nneka Sederstrom launches startup to help change the conversation about life, health care and — importantly — death.
UnitedHealth Group's quarterly profit soars to $5.26B
Executives are looking for growth in the individual health insurance market and hinted at more activity in the coming months with mergers and acquisitions.
Mayo Clinic receives $100M gift to expand radiation center in Rochester
Donation from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation will expand access to proton beam technology.
Minnesota awarding contracts worth $5 billion to Medicaid health plans
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Medica and UnitedHealthcare are expanding in the state insurance programs. HealthPartners dropped 22 counties.
Mayo Clinic boosting pay 6%, biggest jump in more than two decades
The raises from Minnesota's largest employer apply to its allied employees who perform jobs from nursing to maintenance. It comes amid labor shortages and general inflation.
UnitedHealth Group completes $13 billion deal to acquire Change Healthcare
The acquisition moved forward after a federal judge found the Justice Department failed to show in court that the merger would substantially diminish competition.
Minnesota approves modest hikes for MNsure health plans, touts tax credits for many
Three major carriers will increase average premiums less than 3% while a fourth will cut its monthly rate. More than 70,000 are eligible for tax credits averaging $6,700.
Hennepin Healthcare earns national recognition for progress on health equity
An accrediting group launched a new standard to recognize health plans and health care providers that partner with communities to address health disparities.
Minnesota raises $140K from online auction of unclaimed items
The September event drew some 500 bidders and 150 buyers of everything from jewelry to collectable coins.
New FTC commissioner calls for 'a return to fairness' in antitrust enforcement
Alvaro Bedoya criticizes limits on access to local pharmacies, says ongoing investigation of pharmaceutical benefit managers will be a "top priority."
Court dismisses GS Labs lawsuit against Medica over COVID tests
Judge rules the federal CARES Act did not create a right for the testing company to sue over payment terms.
State clears Fairview plan for new psychiatric hospital in St. Paul but raises concerns
The $62 million building would be at the site of the old Bethesda Hospital.
More urgent care clinics are coming to Minnesota
UnitedHealth Group's MedExpress has closed several locations, but other providers are stepping into a market that's growing after the pandemic paused expansion plans.
St. Paul-based Planned Parenthood North Central States names new CEO
Ruth Richardson is a state lawmaker and chief executive at Wayside Recovery Center, a St. Louis Park-based nonprofit.
Walmart, UnitedHealth Group partner on clinic care, Medicare Advantage
The retail and health care giants will collaborate on clinics adjacent to Walmart Superstores, telehealth and a co-branded health plan for seniors in Georgia.
Five years after largely exiting ACA markets, UnitedHealthcare to expand in more state exchanges
The Minnetonka-based health insurer now sells to individuals in 18 states and plans to grow to 22, an about-face from 2017 when it largely dropped coverage in the ACA market.
UCare not selected for large Medicaid contract in Iowa
The Minneapolis-based HMO says it's now considering options after losing bid that was central to insurer's growth plan.
Suit alleges UnitedHealth Group mismanaged investment options in worker retirement plan
Amended complaint adds the CFO and alleges "the fix was in" to retain Wells Fargo funds.
Bright Health increases the urgency in seeking more capital
Without more capital in the next 12 months, the Bloomington-based insurer tells regulators there is "substantial doubt" about operations.
Gold rings, sapphires and a Rod Carew baseball card: Minnesota to auction more than 1,000 unclaimed items
Banks turned over the safe deposit box items to the state after searching for five years to find the owner.
Longtime Mayo administrator dies; he guided facilities, explored clinic's history
Craig Smoldt worked for 50 years at the clinic including eight years on the board of directors.
UnitedHealth Group buys Medicare insurer in Texas
Acquisition of the health plan was part of the company's transaction this year with a large medical group in Houston.
Fairview's operating loss grew to $163.6 million; Allina also posts a loss
The two large health systems both saw losses swell during the period partly due to higher labor costs and a lack of space available at transitional centers that is lengthening patients' hospital stays.
More than 13,000 deaths now linked to COVID-19 in Minnesota
CDC data show Minnesota counties at a high COVID-19 level increased from nine to 22 in the past week.
Minnesota Nurses Association sets date for strike vote in contract dispute with hospitals
The union announced Thursday that 15,000 nurses in the Twin Cities and Duluth area are set to vote Monday.
UnitedHealthcare expands ownership stake and rebrands Bind Benefits
With the new name Surest, the business structures health plan benefits based on copays rather than deductibles.
Bright Health Group shares drop after latest results miss expectations
Bloomington-based health insurer reported progress on resolving problems in claims processing and risk adjustment.
Minnesota COVID levels steady with a few upticks
Cases and hospitalizations are up slightly, but ICU numbers and wastewater data suggest a generally stable picture.
Report: Minnesota's rate for pregnancy-related deaths lower than national average
A new report from the Minnesota Department of Health looked at deaths during or within one year of a pregnancy.
How to fight back if your health plan denies coverage
Consumers have formal and informal options that often require a healthy dose of patience — whether waiting on hold or wading through lengthy health plan documents.
UnitedHealthcare to eliminate out-of-pocket costs on insulin and other critical drugs
Patient advocates say the big health insurer's move could provide an important signal that others will follow.
UnitedHealth Group raises outlook as quarterly profit again tops $5 billion
The Minnetonka-based health care giant beat analyst expectations and boosted its financial forecast for the year.
United Health Foundation pledges $100 million to help diversify health care workforce
The 10-year program will provide scholarships to 10,000 current and future clinical professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Feds approve 'reinsurance' plan extension to control premiums on MNsure policies
The state Commerce Department says health insurance premiums on average statewide would have been 15 to 20% higher without the program between 2018 and 2022.
