Recent content from Christopher Snowbeck
DOJ investigating Medicare Advantage billing practices at UnitedHealth Group: Report
Eden Prairie-based health care giant says it's not aware of the launch of any new Justice Department activity as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
As alleged CEO killer heads to court, UnitedHealth spars with surgeon, investor in coverage dispute
A Texas physician says she was called out of surgery to argue coverage and an influential investor believes her. The insurer is pushing back against what it regards as online misinformation.
UnitedHealth Group begins offering employee buyouts, could resort to layoffs
Eden Prairie-based health care giant says 'voluntary option' is ongoing as workforce keeps growing.
Lawsuit alleging UnitedHealthcare used faulty AI to deny coverage advances in federal court
Minnetonka-based health insurer says lawsuit is based on "unfounded allegations" and insists medical directors make decisions, not artificial intelligence.
UnitedHealthcare fined $3.4M by insurance regulators in North Carolina
Minnetonka-based health insurer did not admit findings or violations of law alleged in a report on patient grievances and claims processing.
University of Minnesota Regents encourage talks with Fairview on Essentia merger
U President Rebecca Cunningham is continuing to push a concept the Minneapolis-based Fairview health system rejected earlier this week.
University of Minnesota offered Fairview $600M to buy back its teaching hospital
Minneapolis-based health system said the sum wouldn't cover debts; the U then developed proposal with Essentia Health.
Fairview Health Services says no to University of Minnesota plan for merger with Essentia Health
Minneapolis-based health system says it must maintain independence, but could support a "strategic partnership" involving the university and the Duluth-based health system.
UnitedHealth paying $20.25M to settle lawsuit alleging improper denial of certain medical claims
The U.S. Department of Labor alleged wrongful denials for ER and urinary drug screening; Eden Prairie-based company says processes are no longer in place.
UnitedHealth rebuts Justice Department allegations in $3.3B Amedisys deal
Eden Prairie-based health care giant says Amedisys acquisition would boost efficiency, innovation and quality in hospice, home care markets.
UnitedHealth drops motion to dismiss DOJ's antitrust case in $3.3B Amedisys deal
The Eden Prairie-based company said its motion is now "moot" after the Justice Department's filing in late January.
Eagan's Prime Therapeutics hit with $10.3M judgment in price-fixing case
Safety net provider alleged pharmacy benefit manager collaborated with a rival to set low payment rates to pharmacies.
UnitedHealth Group, two Blues plans had highest denial rates for ACA health plans in 2023
Eden Prairie-based health care giant blasts finding based on just Affordable Care Act plans; researchers note limitations with data.
1 in 2 Americans affected by UnitedHealth cyberattack, new disclosure shows
Updated tally at Change Healthcare, owned by the Eden Prairie-based health care giant, nearly doubles the number of people affected by the massive data breach.
University of Minnesota, Essentia Health propose $1B partnership on academic medicine
The U announced a "proposed framework" for a nonprofit entity with the Duluth-based health system, but the connection to Fairview's University of Minnesota Medical Center is unclear.
Marc Gorelick retires as CEO of Children's Minnesota after seven years
Gorelick led Minnesota's largest pediatric hospital through COVID-19 and the aftermath of George Floyd's murder.
Insider named as new CEO for UnitedHealthcare insurance business
Tim Noel joined the company in 2007 and most recently ran the business for Medicare health plans.
MNsure sets record as more than 167,000 Minnesotans sign up for health insurance
Individuals who don't get coverage from employers or government programs tap federal tax credits via the state's health exchange.
UnitedHealth Group shrinks urgent care business
All Minnesota locations are now closed as leaders at the Eden Prairie-based health care giant cite a strategy shift to full-service clinics.
Medicare to negotiate lower prices for popular weight-loss drugs
Wegovy, Ozempic added to list of drugs where the federal government will try winning discounts from manufacturers.
Faith-based investor group pushes UnitedHealth Group to study claim denials in wake of CEO murder
Investors seek "introspection" at Eden Prairie-based company with report on the patient impact from prior authorization rules.
Minnesota says Sanford Health illegally cut hours, denied leave for pregnant worker
South Dakota-based health system agreed to pay penalties, add training and follow laws under consent order, but disputed the state's findings.
Lawsuit in Minnesota deepens pharmacy benefit manager pushback against state regulations
The plaintiffs argue federal law lets employers structure medicine benefits in ways the 2019 state law threatens.
Mayo Clinic sues Sanford Health Plan over $700K in unpaid medical bills
Rochester-based hospital says Sanford's misrepresentations have stuck the clinic with the bills; Sanford counters that Mayo is "looking to shift blame for its mistakes."
Nebraska AG sues UnitedHealth Group over health data breach at Change Healthcare
The Nebraska litigation is believed to be the first from a state attorney general and follows lawsuits earlier this year from patients and health care providers.
UCare says 8,400 patients can't visit HealthPartners clinics next year
People with state-sponsored and Medicare Advantage coverage can switch health plans to keep seeing doctors at the Bloomington-based health system.
UnitedHealth Group agrees to $69 million settlement over low-performing retirement plan options
Minnetonka-based health care giant denies allegations in case where judge saw evidence of "hand in the cookie jar."
Slain UnitedHealthcare executive is remembered amid the fury sparked by his death
Brian Thompson became a poster boy for the failings of U.S. health insurance, but coworkers said he was smart, charitable and concerned about people.
UnitedHealth Group CEO acknowledges need to better explain how insurance decisions are made
Company says 90% of medical claims are paid upon submission, less one percent are scrutinized for medical or clinical reasons.
Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO did not have insurance coverage from the company
Minnetonka-based healthcare company confirmed the disclosure by New York police about suspect Luigi Mangione.
U searching for new health care chief as negotiations continue on hospital deal
Interim leader would join the university in early 2025; no word on a purchase price for University of Minnesota Medical Center.
UnitedHealthcare CEO's slaying brings criticism of U.S. insurance industry to a boiling point
Greater transparency from health insurers is sought as costs of insurance continue to grow faster than wages.
UCare closing offices amid safety concerns after UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing
Minnetonka-based Medica previously announced temporary HQ shutdown as health plans move to protect workers.
UnitedHealth Group CEO calls colleague's killing 'profoundly shocking and disturbing'
Message to workers comes as health insurers admit to feelings of vulnerability and concern with the death of chief executive Brian Thompson. Investigators found a backpack in Central Park like the one that had been carried by the shooter, police said.
Police reveal person of interest as Minnesotans who knew murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO mourn
Those who knew Brian Thompson struggled to make sense of what authorities described as a targeted attack on him in New York City.
Motive unknown in 'brazen, targeted attack' that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC
New York Police Department still searching for the shooter; executives were meeting for investor conference, which was closed abruptly.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare, the nation's largest insurer, is owned by parent company UnitedHealth Group. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday.
McGovern's Pub in St. Paul open for business after roof fire
Officials said the fire, which was quickly extinguished, might have stemmed from downed power lines. No one in the building was injured.
Opaque drug discount program delivered $630 million last year to safety net hospitals, clinics in MN
First-of-its-kind report brings new transparency to a lucrative funding stream for certain health care providers, raising questions about how they use it.
Allina Health dropping Humana Medicare Advantage health plans, impacting 17,000
Minneapolis-based health system becomes the fifth with operations in MN to say it's going out-of-network with Humana for 2025.
Mayo Clinic expands charity care, writes off $90 million in patient debts
New policy follows questions about whether large nonprofit medical centers provide enough community benefits to justify their tax exemptions.
Minnesota health insurers warn of 'dire' premium spikes, lost coverage in 2026
Insurance company CEOs ask the state's congressional delegation for help extending enhanced tax credits via MNsure. The subsidies are set to expire at the end of next year.
Justice Department sues to block UnitedHealth's $3.3 billion deal to acquire Amedisys
The complaint marks the second time since 2022 that DOJ has challenged deals in the Minnetonka-based company's Optum division for health care services.
UnitedHealthcare, Essentia Health agree to network contract for 2025
The Duluth-based health system alleged earlier this year high rates of denied claims and payment delays by the nation's largest health insurer.
Second Trump presidency raises big questions for Minnesota health care
Observers say Trump administration may make changes to the Affordable Care Act, while Kennedy will seek government data on vaccine safety and other topics.
UnitedHealthcare, HealthPartners reach network deal on Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota
The Minnetonka-based health insurer says the new contract "ensures continued, uninterrupted network access" to hospitals and clinics at the Bloomington-based health system.
Legal maneuvers fail to keep UnitedHealthcare in state Medicaid program in 2025
UnitedHealthcare won't return to Minnesota Medicaid market in 2025
Humana, UnitedHealthcare post inaccurate network lists for Medicare Advantage plans
Insurers list North Memorial, HealthPartners as in-network next year, but health system owners say that's wrong — there's no network contract yet.
Blue Cross of Minnesota agrees to legal settlement for better mental health coverage
The insurer will be required to pay a $300,000 stayed civil penalty if a court finds Blue Cross violates settlement terms with Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Foreclosure auction looms for part of Normandale Lake Office Park as lender alleges $73M owed
A sheriff's sale for the 8500 Tower was previously scheduled for Oct. 10 but is now set for late November.
Report: UnitedHealth Group tops list of Medicare Advantage insurers receiving billions in questionable payments
Federal watchdog questions fees based on health assessments and chart reviews where patients apparently didn't get care.
Cyberattack at UnitedHealth subsidiary Change Healthcare affected 100M Americans
The scope of the February data breach is apparently a record and fits within the range previously suggested by the company's CEO.
Allina may exit Humana's Medicare Advantage network in 2025, affecting 18,000 Minnesotans
The move would mean thousands more seniors in Minnesota must weigh changing their insurance versus diminished access to doctors.
Minneapolis firm acquires Plymouth campus leased by Allina Health
Health care real estate firm Davis paid $72 million to acquire three buildings in a deal that closed in mid-October.
UnitedHealth Group falls on report of high medical costs, dampened outlook
Quarterly profit of $6.06 billion at the Minnetonka-based company beat analyst estimates on a per-share basis as revenue grew 9% over last year.
How to shop for the best deal on Medicare health and drug plans in 2025
A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs in Part D plans is one of the big new benefits consumers will see during open enrollment.
Minnesota seniors face Medicare dilemma: Stick with doctors or health plans?
Five health systems with Minnesota operations say they'll go out of network next year with certain Medicare Advantage health insurers.
Ramsey County, St. Paul schools considering options for retirees caught in Medicare Advantage disruption
Ramsey County, St. Paul Public Schools float plan to let retirees buy Medicare Supplement policies at a higher price.
Mayo Clinic tells hundreds of Medicare Advantage patients to obtain new insurance to keep getting care
Mayo says patients can look for insurance plans in which the clinic is in-network. The change affects fewer than 600 Minnesotans.
Medicare Advantage disruptions hit another 5,900 seniors in Minnesota
North Memorial, Avera Health says the seniors won't be in-network for Humana next year. These and other recent network changes will affect nearly 60,000 Minnesotans.
Blue Cross of Minnesota snagged in multimillion-dollar Nigerian fraud scheme
Nigerian nationals allegedly 'spoofed' website and executive emails of local health system to wrongly collect $13 million in payments from three health insurers, indictment says.
Minnesota health insurers hiking premiums in 2025
Most carriers in the state's individual and small markets are raising rates by roughly 9% to 15%.
Union doctors demand Allina fix issues after lab work is outsourced to Quest Diagnostics
Doctors say problems go beyond rollout logistics, saying that delayed test results and reduced services are raising costs and slowing access to care.
University of Minnesota, Fairview delay deadline on pact for hospital sale
A February letter of intent called for a definitive agreement by Sept. 30, but officials say they need more time.
Minnesota AG seeks court oversight in dissolution of Rainbow Health
Attorney General Keith Ellison says the nonprofit group might not have enough money to fully satisfy its debts and obligations including payments to employees.
Union doctors call Allina lab transfer a 'disastrous, chaotic mess'
Allina acknowledges trouble but stresses improvement; doctors describe long waits for blood draws and widespread confusion about how to order tests;
FTC sues Optum Rx, rival pharmacy benefit managers over insulin pricing
UnitedHealth Group division calls the action "baseless" and that it shows "profound misunderstanding" of drug pricing.
UnitedHealth's Optum cuts more than 800 jobs this year, the latest in New Jersey
The company has not announced any cuts in Minnesota, but under law had to report the cuts in New Jersey, California and Ohio.
No easy answer on whether University of Minnesota should own its teaching hospital
As deadline nears for Fairview deal, new U president's inaugural health care panel highlights benefits of control at University of Michigan.
Klobuchar says courts should uphold law for Medicare drug price negotiations
Democratic lawmakers filed an amicus brief in an appeals case as the pharmaceutical industry fights a "pile-up" of losses in legal challenges.
Rally outside Optum HQ spotlights debate over pharmacy benefits managers
About 50 people gathered in Eden Prairie to allege biggest players in industry are ballooning drug costs while running independent pharmacies out of business, a claim that Optum denies.
As deadline looms, 'big, complex' deal to buy U of M Medical Center still unresolved
The U is deciding whether to reacquire the complex from Fairview; there could be wiggle room in the timeline.
Essentia Health wins arbitration dispute over control of Fosston hospital
Community leaders in northwest Minnesota town opposed the Duluth-based health system's decision to close labor and delivery services.
Essentia Health to drop from Medicare Advantage networks at UnitedHealthcare, Humana
Duluth-based health system cited high rates of claim denials and delayed payments as the reason for exiting the plans.
'This is not a bill': How to decipher explanations of benefits and pay for your medical care
From huge charges and enormous discounts to 'reason codes' for insurance coverage denials, perplexing paperwork is a common side effect with health care.
