Recent content from Christopher Snowbeck
Minnesota settlement on medical debt saves Hutchinson Health patients $184,000
Attorney General Keith Ellison alleged the hospital wrongly switched patients with medical debt into a new plan, resulting in ballooning payments and defaults.
CDC study finds fewer pregnant women receiving COVID vaccine
Health officials say women could be more receptive to immunization with better outreach.
UnitedHealthcare delays policy to stop paying for some ER care
Leading physician and hospital groups spoke out in opposition to the plan to end payments for non-emergency care, which the health insurer said would save money while steering patients to the right site for care.
UnitedHealthcare to stop paying for 'non-emergency' care in ERs
Doctors and hospitals oppose the policy, saying it could harm patients by delaying needed care.
UnitedHealth taps Eli Lilly exec for its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts
During Joy Fitzgerald's Eli Lilly tenure, the company earned national recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts.
After COVID losses, widowed young Minnesotans find 'forever friends' online
With the help of an online support group, young widows and widowers are finding ways to forge a sense of community.
![Maddox Nichols, 13, of Minneapolis, got his first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Erin Oleson last month at Children’s Minnesota. ] A](https://chorus.stimg.co/22514793/ows_c5e84304_2737_49ea_bf7b_f1092dea6955.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota COVID-19 numbers headed in 'right direction'
Record low "positivity rate" one of many signs of improved pandemic outlook.
Minnesota reports 302 new COVID-19 cases, 16 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose nears 3 million.
Vaccine has virus on the run in Minnesota
Amid optimism and relief, officials concerned about unvaccinated populations.
Minnesota reports 343 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.9 million.
'A walking miracle': Pregnant woman's brush with death from COVID-19
Amanda Jackson's doctors say her story shows that they're still learning how best to treat COVID-19 patients.
Minnesota reports 599 new COVID-19 cases, 9 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.83 million.
Allina Health sees income grow with expense control
Minneapolis-based health system has yet to see a return to prepandemic demand for health care
Younger teens start receiving virus vaccine in Minnesota
Expansion of immunization drive comes as the state reports 1,011 new cases and 19 virus deaths.
Minnesota companies weigh vaccine mandates for workers
Mandates are too sensitive for governments, but businesses have latitude to impose them.
Mayo Clinic investment backs in-home technology for hospital-level care
The Rochester-based clinic and a large health care group in California will jointly invest $100 million in Boston-based company.
![Christine Runyon administered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Jamie Larson last month at United Labor Center in Minneapolis. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.](https://chorus.stimg.co/22481589/ows_9f655495_c588_42c6_98c9_994ddcb4a2bd.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota gets creative in COVID-19 vaccine outreach
Dwindling demand forces new approaches to boost immunization numbers.
Minnesota reports 1,321 new COVID-19 cases, 8 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.64 million.
HealthPartners saw income grow amid COVID-19 in 2020
The pandemic trimmed clinic revenue, but boosted health insurance earnings.
Minnesota reports 1,661 new COVID-19 cases, 13 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.6 million.
Doctors brace for questions with return of J&J vaccine
Health care providers across Minnesota are anticipating a flood of questions from patients about COVID-19 immunizations in coming days.
Minnesota reports 1,723 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths
The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.5 million.
Minnesota reports 2,104 new COVID-19 cases, 8 more deaths
The new cases came on a volume of 44,564 tests, putting the positivity rate just below the state's "caution" level of 5%. The number of people with at least one vaccine dose exceeds 2.4 million.
Minnesota expects Johnson & Johnson shots to resume soon
Federal health agencies lifted the pause on using the vaccine. Data suggests risk of rare health risk is concentrated among women under age 50.
Results soar at Minnesota's 7 big health insurers as claims fall
Legal settlements and delayed care amid the pandemic drove a surge in operating income last year for Minnesota's nonprofit health insurers.
Fairview Health Services sees losses grow with COVID-19
The pandemic cut hospital and clinic volumes at the Minneapolis-based health care system.
![A COVID-19 Community Mobile Vaccination Bus visited Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul on Tuesday. ] CHRISTOPHER SNOWBECK • Chris.Snowbe](https://chorus.stimg.co/22457876/ows_6775e9a4_5119_437a_aed6_d0868e71693e.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota launches mobile vaccine clinics by bus
Outreach focused on groups hit hard by COVID-19 including communities of color.
Minnesota doctors hope for quick return of J&J vaccine
Single-dose product is key for reaching some groups, health officials say, but they fear a stigma might linger.
Minnesota COVID-19 deaths top 7,000 as cases, vaccinations rise
Minnesota reported 2,429 new coronavirus cases and 10 more deaths linked to COVID-19. The seven-day average for net new cases declined for a second straight day.
UnitedHealth Group boosts outlook on profit jump
First quarter earnings beat expectations as insurance subscribers grew by 1 million people.
Vaccine 'passports' stir debate in Minnesota
Idea adopted elsewhere raises personal freedom and equity questions.
Minnesota COVID-19 case count tops 2,000 for 4th straight day
Minnesota is reporting 2,454 new coronavirus cases and 12 more deaths as the count for people with at least one vaccine dose approaches 2 million.
Blue Cross of Minnesota affiliate sold for $500 million
Eagan-based Further administers health savings accounts paired with high-deductible health plans.
UnitedHealth CEO makes first changes to leadership team
Brian Thompson was named chief executive of the UnitedHealth Group subsidiary.
How Minnesota confirmed the nation's first Brazilian COVID-19 variant case
Minnesota researchers' surprise discovery highlights importance of whole genome sequencing.
Concerns grow over COVID-19 variants, case growth in Minnesota as spring break nears
Spread of more infectious forms of virus complicate plans for schools, holidays.
Cases trend upward, as Minnesota reports 1,449 new COVID cases, 9 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose is approaching 1,138,000.
Dan Culhane, Twin Cities radio veteran and onetime co-host of morning show on KQRS, dies at 62
You might not have met Dan Culhane, but there's a good chance you've heard his voice.At radio stations across the Twin Cities, Culhane voiced commercials…
Minnesota virus cases creep up as vaccinations hit 1.2 million
Mixed indicators leave state health officials with an "in-between" sense for where the state stands.
MNsure shoppers will see extra $70 million in tax credits
The savings projection for existing customers doesn't include those who might newly tap health exchange subsidies.
UnitedHealth Group CEO 'more optimistic' on pandemic
Speaking at an investors conference, Andrew Witty made his first public comments as the company's chief executive.
State health officials stress travel risks as variants spread
Health officials say the spread of a more contagious version first found in the United Kingdom underscores the importance of people avoiding spring break travel.
1M Minnesotans have received COVID-19 shots
The state reported 975 new cases and 12 more deaths linked to COVID-19. The test "positivity rate" was again lower than the state's "caution" level of 5%.
Minn. health officials report COVID-19 variant clusters in Carver Co., call for youth sports pause
More than five dozen cases have been linked to participants in school, club sports.
Blue Cross of Minnesota lawsuit takes aim at 'Pharma Bro'
Lawsuit alleges monopoly scheme by drug company once headed by now imprisoned Martin Shkreli.
U to expand study of whether common diabetes drug could treat COVID
Early research suggests metformin, an inexpensive drug used for diabetes and weight loss, can help women infected with the virus avoid serious illness.
Mayo Clinic posts $728 million in income despite pandemic
After an initial hit, demand for COVID test helps to drive strong results.
UnitedHealth Group opens 'pop-up' infusion center for COVID-19 patients
"Monoclonal antibodies" given in Minnetonka to help avoid hospitalization.
Minnesota's COVID cases are down, but for how long?
Despite the decline, there's considerable uncertainty about whether it can be sustained, particularly as more contagious versions spread.
Allina, Optum plan to build surgery center in Brooklyn Park
Joint venture that was formed in 2019 plans to open or acquire about a dozen surgery centers in five years.
Coronavirus variant spreading in Minnesota
Officials fear a second wave of more contagious virus strain could emerge.
Minnesota reports 884 new COVID-19 cases, 11 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose now exceeds 742,000.
Minnesota hits 1 million mark with COVID-19 vaccine doses
The state postponed appointments at some community vaccination locations after severe winter weather in other parts of the country delayed at least part of this week's COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Google will open first office in Minnesota, and it's not in the Twin Cities
Rochester location fits with the tech giant's Mayo Clinic collaboration.
North Memorial Health Hospital nurse named to Biden COVID task force
Mary Turner, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association, will join group focused on health inequities.
New UnitedHealth CEO Witty could see $18.8 million in pay for 2021
After abrupt departure, former CEO will see salary and incentive pay for two years.
U studies antibodies for short-term immunity vs. COVID-19
Antibodies show promise in virus prevention efforts, not just treatment.
Minnesota reports 1,030 new COVID-19 cases, 17 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose now exceeds 525,000.
For Minnesota nurse on front lines, COVID-19 fight is personal
A COVID death in the family brings home patients' suffering, with the pain of that loss deepening her commitment to her difficult work.
Minn. hospitals criticize state's COVID-19 vaccine allocations
Some providers have not received any vaccine for weeks, the trade group said, adding that the new state COVID-19 vaccine allocation system deprives some rural communities of doses needed for patients.
UnitedHealth makes sudden CEO change, elevating Witty
David Wichmann is stepping down as the Minnetonka insurer's chief executive. Andrew Witty, the head of its Optum subsidiary who worked with the World Health Organization last year, now leads the whole company.
Minnesota health insurance coverage held steady despite pandemic
Growth in government-based coverage offset declines in employer-based health insurance.
Coronavirus variant finding in Minnesota raising questions
Scientists are trying to learn more about the coronavirus strain linked to Brazil because health officials don't know for sure if it's spreading in Minnesota.
Minnesotans get erroneous vaccine e-mails, then apologies
The glitch wrongly told people waiting for their second doses that appointments are "no longer valid."
Minnesota reports 1,087 new COVID-19 cases, 19 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose now exceeds 381,000.
Minnesota on guard against the coronavirus variants
Two weeks after the Department of Health reported the state's first cases, health officials are expanding the genetic sequencing work that scientists perform to document the new strain.
Minnesota reports 1,565 new COVID-19 cases, 31 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose now exceeds 229,000.
UnitedHealth Group beats profit estimates despite COVID-19
Pandemic costs hit earnings from the company's health insurance division.
Minnesota reports 1,529 new COVID-19 cases, 37 more deaths
The count for people with at least one vaccine dose now exceeds 174,000.
Minnesota reports first cases of coronavirus variant
The new strain was detected in specimens from five residents in the Twin Cities metro area, the Minnesota Health Department says.
Slow uptake for promising new COVID-19 treatment in Minnesota
Some medical centers are reporting a surprising lack of patient interest in the outpatient antibody therapy, state health officials say.
Minnesota reports 2,489 new COVID-19 cases, 43 more deaths
State officials are watching for a potential increase in cases following holiday travels.
![Dr. Sophia Kim, an internist at North Memorial, drew a dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine with a syringe Monday morning. ] AARON LAVINSKY](https://chorus.stimg.co/22219648/ows_358cf190_41ab_422c_ae82_b234196e2a86.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
HealthPartners studying COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women
Research will monitor recipients for impact on pregnancy, birth outcomes.
Minnesota is trending toward a grim holiday milestone with COVID-19 deaths
Less than two weeks old, December has already become the second-deadliest month for COVID-19 in Minnesota.
Minnesota reports 4,447 new COVID-19 cases, 67 more deaths
The latest numbers pushed the seven-day rolling average for new cases to the lowest reading since early November.
