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
Former Optum employee found guilty of fraud via ‘ghost employee’ scheme
A California man was accused of hiring a friend for a fictitious position and receiving a portion of wages from the no-show job via kickbacks.
February 19, 2026
Hennepin County medical center to stop accepting most out-of-county patient transfers
HCMC says it will slim down to 390 staffed beds by limiting patient transfers from hospitals outside Hennepin County.
February 13, 2026
Minneapolis’ public hospital plans to eliminate 100 beds in latest HCMC budget cuts
Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare says it also will delay contributions to some worker retirement plans while pausing $24 million in capital projects.
February 12, 2026
University of Minnesota med school changes class after accusations of UnitedHealth ‘propaganda’
The school is changing an elective course while still working with the Eden Prairie-based health care giant after students raised concerns.
February 10, 2026
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When UCare shuts down, there might be $84M left
The state’s rehabilitation plan suggests UCare has enough assets to pay off the roughly $900 million it owes to health care providers and have a small surplus left over.
February 10, 2026
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
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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
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