SAINT PAUL, Minn – (June 30, 2026) – A new report from North Star Policy Action found that Minnesotans are paying substantially more for healthcare while receiving fewer services, underscoring the need for strong public oversight of healthcare acquisitions, mergers, and transactions.
According to the report, per-person healthcare spending in Minnesota increased by 15% between 2019-2023, but utilization of services per-person decreased by 3.5%. The report also found that hospital operating costs have increased by 87%, but charges for services have increased by 116% over the same period.
“Minnesotans are already paying more for healthcare,” said Chris Rubesch, RN, President of the Minnesota Nurses Association. “The last thing patients need is healthcare consolidation that drives costs even higher while increasing corporate profits. Healthcare corporations seeking to merge or acquire another system owe Minnesotans complete transparency about how those deals will affect healthcare costs, access to care and the quality of care patients receive.”
The data found that specialists in health systems charge 16-20% higher prices for services than independent practices, further highlighting the impact consolidation can have on patient costs.
As Minnesota reviews two major healthcare acquisitions that could have lasting consequences for patients, healthcare workers and the communities they serve, rigorous analysis of how each transaction will affect healthcare costs, access to care, quality, staffing, and competition must be included.
“Minnesota deserves healthcare systems that put patients before profits. The Attorney General has an essential responsibility to protect Minnesotans by ensuring healthcare mergers and acquisitions serve the public interest,” said Rubesch. “Patients should not pay the price for business decisions that increase corporate profits while driving up healthcare costs. We urge the Attorney General to thoroughly examine every proposed transaction and ensure consolidation does not come at the expense of patients.”
