Reporter | Business

Christopher Snowbeck covers health insurers, including Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group, and the business of running hospitals and clinics. 

Since 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.


Burnsville woman's sinus surgery went great — until she got the $32,449 medical bill

Billing dispute provides a window on tensions between insurers and health care providers over coverage denials.


Cyberattack could cost UnitedHealth Group up to $1.6B this year

Minnetonka-based health care giant still beat first quarter earnings beat expectations after excluding one-time costs, including those related to the hack.


How to save money at the pharmacy counter

Health insurance benefits are the first tool, but shopping around, paying cash and accessing coupons are strategies to consider, as well.


Mpls. therapy clinic sues over cyberattack at UnitedHealth subsidiary

Class action lawsuit is one of about two dozen filed thus far. Minnetonka-based company says it is restoring Change Healthcare systems that were sidelined to contain the threat.


A new skyway is 823 feet long — but is it the longest skyway in Minnesota?

A new flying corridor at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis nearly stretches the length of three football fields — but is that a record?


Minnesota report finds uninsured rate hits all-time low in state, but health care costs still barrier

Health Department report suggests the share of state residents lacking coverage improved slightly last year compared with 2021.


Bright Health CEO's bonus grew to $1.95M amid slashed workforce

The company, which was founded in Minnesota, cut its workforce by more than half after exiting the health plan business.


North Memorial's Maple Grove Hospital expansion plans still on hold due to issues in Robbinsdale

The health system must solve the financial challenges at its flagship hospital in Robbinsdale first, even though Maple Grove is operating at overcapacity levels.


Report: Tax breaks for Mayo, other hospitals outweigh community benefit

Hospitals say the study is "deeply flawed" for not factoring research, teaching and Medicaid expenses.


North Memorial laying off 103 workers, cutting outpatient mental health

Health system cites lower pay from government-sponsored health plans, recent funding cut from Hennepin County.