HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced that their boards approved an affiliation agreement to combine into one nonprofit organization serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The proposed system would include 22 hospitals, more than 135 clinics and approximately 45,000 employees, including 6,000 clinicians. The organizations are targeting Jan. 1, 2027, subject to regulatory review and approvals.

The combination would bring together HealthPartners’ integrated insurance and care delivery model with Essentia’s regional network, including its substantial rural presence. Together, they would serve more than 2 million patients, with HealthPartners also covering approximately 1.6 million medical and dental plan members nationwide. The organizations say the affiliation would expand specialty access, strengthen local care, and support investments in digital health, research, and workforce development.

The combined organization would operate as HealthPartners, led by its current president and CEO, Andrea Walsh. Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman would become president of combined clinical care group operations. Essentia facilities would retain their name while operations are integrated. The organizations say patients and members should experience no interruption to care or coverage.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has opened a review and invited public comments. His office will examine the transaction under state healthcare transaction, charities, and antitrust laws, including its potential effects on access, affordability, healthcare options, and the workforce. The Jan. 1 target remains contingent on completing the review process.