Recent content from Christopher Snowbeck
UnitedHealthcare reducing some 'prior authorization' requirements
The Minnetonka-based insurer says it will eliminate nearly 20% of restrictions to boost convenience for doctors, patients — the latest national insurer to adjust its requirements.
Minnesota's mental health crisis: Our methodology
How the Star Tribune selected and calculated payment rates using newly available data.
Desperate search for care reveals Minnesota's mental health crisis
Newly available data analyzed by the Star Tribune reveals how medical insurers and Medicaid pay hospitals for psychoses treatment at a much lower per-day rate than other common physical conditions.
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.