HealthPartners and Essentia Health Plan 22-Hospital Merger in the US Midwest
The combined nonprofit system would employ about 45,000 people across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota from January 2027.
Minnesota-based nonprofits HealthPartners and Essentia Health plan to combine into a 22-hospital integrated system spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Their boards have approved an affiliation agreement targeting 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
Structure
The combined organisation will operate as HealthPartners, while Essentia facilities keep their brand. HealthPartners CEO Andrea Walsh will lead the system as president and CEO, and Essentia's Dr. David Herman will become president of clinical operations.
Together they will have about 45,000 employees, including more than 6,000 clinicians. HealthPartners brings eight hospitals, 80+ clinics and a health plan; Essentia brings 14 hospitals, 78 clinics and post-acute facilities.
Finances and concerns
HealthPartners reported $9.3 billion in operating revenue and a $95.9 million operating loss in 2025, while Essentia reported $3.3 billion in revenue and $71.6 million in operating income. The partners say the merger will help control costs through investments in digital health such as remote patient monitoring. The Minnesota Nurses Association has asked for a transparent review and protection of labour agreements.
Source: Digital Health News
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