With HCMC’s survival threatened, staff and leaders call for state action

As Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) faces the prospect of closure due to a dire financial outlook, healthcare workers and union leaders are urging state lawmakers to take immediate action. HCMC, a critical part of the Hennepin Healthcare provider system, is Minnesota's busiest Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center and a safety-net hospital that accepts patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The hospital has been a training site for more than half of Minnesota's practicing physicians, with over 115,000 patients treated in 2025, including nearly 94,000 emergency department visits.

At an April 1 press conference at the state Capitol, registered nurse and Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) second vice president Jeremy Olson-Ehlert emphasized the hospital's statewide importance. "HCMC is not just a Minneapolis hospital. It's Minnesota's safety net. It is Minnesota's last line of care," Olson-Ehlert stated.

HCMC's financial struggles are projected to reach up to $50 million in operating losses in 2026 and a staggering $1.7 billion in losses over the next 10 years, according to March projections shared with the Hennepin County Board's budget committee. The hospital is currently unable to meet its $33 million biweekly payroll and relies on the county to cover overdrafts, as noted by Hennepin County Commissioner Jeffrey Lunde, who chairs the Hennepin Health Board.

The hospital's financial hardships stem from various factors over many years, including the shutdown of Minnesota-based health insurer UCare, which owes HCMC $115 million, and the high cost of treating uninsured or publicly insured patients, who make up the majority of the hospital's patient population.

Additionally, massive changes to Medicaid eligibility under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, set to take effect in 2027, are expected to further impact HCMC's finances. These changes could exacerbate the hospital's financial situation, threatening its ability to provide critical care to underserved communities across the state.

In response to the crisis, healthcare workers and union leaders are calling for urgent legislative action, which could be introduced at the state Capitol as early as Tuesday. The situation has prompted calls for state funding to be directed towards HCMC to ensure its survival and maintain its role as a safety-net hospital.

The potential closure of HCMC would not only affect Minneapolis but also have statewide repercussions, as the hospital serves as a vital resource for emergency care and medical training. The hospital's leaders and staff are warning of a potential catastrophe if lawmakers fail to act swiftly and provide the necessary support to secure HCMC's future.

As the debate over healthcare funding and support continues at the state level, the future of HCMC hangs in the balance. The hospital's critical role in providing care to those in need underscores the importance of addressing its financial challenges and ensuring its continued operation. The call for state action is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by safety-net hospitals across the country and the need for comprehensive solutions to support their vital work.