Minneapolis hospice workers strike amid push for 1st union contract

Dozens of Twin Cities hospice workers are walking the picket line Monday in a one-day strike​ after nearly a year of negotiations for an inaugural union contract.

• Jul 6
• 0:55

Minnesota families struggle as thousands of providers no longer able to bill Medicaid

Minnesota's sweeping fraud crisis took center stage at the State Capitol today. Lawmakers questioned agency leaders who tried to root out fraud by cutting 3,400 service providers from Medicaid programs. WCCO's Conor Wight introduces us to families now caught without care.

• Jul 1
• 2:25

Minnesota sisters pursue nursing degrees together

This spring the University of St. Thomas celebrated its first cohort of students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Out of those 50 ground breakers, two share a very special bond. Kaija and Melija Vijums join Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.

• Jun 21
• 3:51

Thousands of Minnesota Medicaid providers in limbo as state reexamines high-risk programs

Medical services for thousands of vulnerable Minnesotans are in-limbo as the state grapples with the cost of the fraud crisis. More than 3,300 Medicaid service providers are still awaiting approval after increased state screening. Ashley Grams explains how more vetting could force some businesses to choose between their clients' well-being and their own financial survival.

• Jun 2
• 2:49

Families fight health insurance company over disability care cuts

Parents of Minnesota's most vulnerable children say lawmakers let them down, and now they're going to extremes to fight an insurance company that's denying coverage.

• Jun 1

Minnesota families file lawsuit against Medica for denying coverage

Parents of the state's most vulnerable children say lawmakers let them down. Now, they're going to extremes to fight an insurance company that's denying coverage. A WCCO Investigation found private insurers Medica and Health Partners stopped fully covering nursing care. That left families who need registered nurses in their homes around the clock to keep their kids alive, scrambling to find other options. A bill at the state legislature to help never got through. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield shows us desperate parents now taking things to the next level.

• Jun 1
• 2:56

Gov. Tim Walz visits HCMC hospital to tout $205M in one-time state funding

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz went to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis Wednesday to talk about how the state is going to help the hospital financially.

• May 20

Long-term concerns remain for HCMC despite cash injection from state

The state's busiest trauma hospital was on the brink of financial ruin, and still faces major challenges with leadership projecting $50 million in losses this year.

• May 19

As Minnesota Legislature provides funds to save HCMC, concerns remain about future

More than $700 million of your tax dollars will be used to help prop up Minnesota's hospitals. As our Conor Wight shows us, one hospital will likely get most of that money, while some are worried it won't be enough.

• May 19
• 2:00

Man crushed by tractor says he wouldn't be alive without HCMC

Jerrad Moening was not expected to make it through the first night at HCMC after he was crushed by his own tractor nearly a year ago. Now, he's sharing his story.

• May 12

Tips for managing health insurance costs as premiums rise

If it feels like your health insurance premiums are going up, there's a good chance you're right.

• May 11

As health insurance premiums rise, here’s how to recoup some money

If it feels like your health insurance premiums are going up, there’s a good chance they are.

• May 11
• 2:02

North Memorial Health, Sanford Health sign agreement to merge

Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health have signed a "definitive agreement" to merge into a single nonprofit health system, according to both organizations.

• May 8

House committee debates sales tax increase to save HCMC from closure

Both sides of the aisle in Minnesota agree the collapse of HCMC would be catastrophic. However, they do not agree on the prescription to save it.

• May 6

$91M in Minnesota Medicaid funds deferred over fraud review, Dr. Oz says

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head Dr. Mehmet Oz notified Minnesota that the department is deferring $91 million in Medicaid payments, citing systemic fraud risks and ongoing audits.

• Apr 30

County commissioners finalize strategy to save Hennepin Healthcare

The Hennepin County Commission, which took over managing the hospital in the fall, is trying to get state leaders to help with the dire financial situation.

• Apr 23

Inside Fairview Southdale Hospital's calmer alternative to emergency room

At M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, there is an emergency room within the emergency room, focused on mental health.

• Apr 15

Under funding shortfalls, Minnesota's healthcare system could reach breaking point

Minnesota's hospitals are facing a growing financial crisis amid higher costs, fewer insured patients, shuttering clinics and federal Medicaid cuts.

• Apr 9

Investigation

EMT attacked by patient raises concerns about violence against hospital staff

The video shows the patient on a mental health hold striking hospital support staff. Then, the patient takes a swing with the bed rail at EMT Rob Madsen who was waiting to transfer a patient.

• Apr 7

EMT attacked by patient raises concerns about increase in violence against hospital staff

A patient at Ridges Hospital in Burnsville ran into the hall with a bed rail, swinging it at people. That was just the beginning. In all, four people were hurt in the February attack. Only one has returned to work full-time. Now, one man is sharing his story with WCCO Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle, who found attacks like this are happening more often than they used to.

• Apr 7
• 4:42

Children's Minnesota lifts pause on some gender-affirming care

Children's Minnesota announced Monday it is resuming gender-affirming care for children just over a month after pausing it amid "threats" from the federal government.

• Apr 6

Allina acquisition by Sutter raises union concerns over contracts, pensions

Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.

• Mar 19

Allina Health to be acquired by California-based nonprofit health system

A northern California health nonprofit is planning to acquire Allina Health in a deal that was announced Tuesday.

• Mar 17

Hennepin Healthcare could close without action on sales tax, officials say

It's a challenging time for the U.S. healthcare industry. In Minneapolis, there's a strong possibility the state's largest trauma center could have to close. As our Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield reports, that could be devastating for anyone dealing with an emergency.

• Mar 17
• 2:14

This Minnesota doctor is helping "The Pitt" keep it real

The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.

• Mar 13

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