HealthPartners

HealthPartners is a nonprofit integrated care system and health insurance provider based in Bloomington, Minnesota. It operates a network of hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and dental clinics, primarily serving communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The organization provides both care delivery and health plan coverage, aiming to improve the health and well-being of its members. It is one of the largest consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organizations in the United States.

History

The organization traces its origins to 1957 when a group of Minnesota physicians formed the Group Health Plan to provide affordable, prepaid health care. In the 1970s, it expanded significantly by merging with the St. Paul-based **MedCenter Health Plan**. A pivotal merger occurred in 1992 when **Group Health, Inc.** combined with **MedCenters** and the **Ramsey Clinic**—a large physician practice affiliated with St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center—to form the present entity. This integration of a health maintenance organization with a major care delivery system was a landmark in Minnesota health care. Subsequent growth included partnerships with institutions like Park Nicollet Health Services in 2013 and the **Aspen Medical Group**, further expanding its clinical network across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Operations and services

HealthPartners operates a comprehensive integrated system that includes health insurance through its **HealthPartners Insurance** plans and direct care delivery. Its care network features several hospitals, including **Regions Hospital** in St. Paul, a Level I Trauma center and teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School. The system also includes **Lakeview Hospital** in Stillwater, Minnesota and **Westfields Hospital and Clinic** in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Its primary and specialty care is delivered through numerous clinics, such as those under the **Park Nicollet** and **HealthPartners Clinics** banners, offering services in family medicine, cardiology, oncology, and behavioral health. Additional services encompass dental care, pharmacy, and rehabilitation services.

Organization and structure

As a consumer-governed nonprofit, HealthPartners is overseen by a Board of directors that includes representatives from the community, employers, and clinicians. The organization is structured into distinct operating divisions for its health plan and care delivery components. The care delivery division manages its hospitals, clinics, and affiliated physician groups, while the health plan division administers a range of commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid products. Key affiliated entities include the **HealthPartners Institute**, a research and education center, and the **HealthPartners Foundation**. The system maintains clinical and educational partnerships with major institutions like the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic.

Financial performance

As a tax-exempt nonprofit, HealthPartners reinvests its operating surplus into community health initiatives, facility improvements, and technology. The organization files an annual Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service, detailing its financial activities. Its consolidated revenue is derived from health insurance premiums, patient care services, and other operations. Financial performance is closely tied to the competitive Minnesota health insurance market, managed care contracts with state programs like MinnesotaCare, and investment income. Major expenditures include member medical costs, provider payments, pharmaceutical expenses, and investments in electronic health record systems and new clinical facilities.

Recognition and awards

HealthPartners and its facilities have received numerous accolades for quality and innovation. **Regions Hospital** has been consistently recognized by the American Heart Association for its stroke and heart failure care. The health plan has frequently earned high ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its **Medicare** and commercial plans. The **HealthPartners Institute** has been acknowledged for its research in areas like diabetes prevention and health disparities. The system has also been named a "Best Place to Work" by publications like the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and has received environmental awards for its sustainable practices.

Category:Healthcare companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Minnesota Category:Health insurance companies of the United States Category:Organizations based in Bloomington, Minnesota