Health Care Workers Warn of Looming HCMC Closure Without State Aid

Hennepin Healthcare workers say the county's main safety-net hospital could start closure plans as early as June if the Legislature fails to act this session.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:59pm

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Health care workers in Minnesota are sounding the alarm that Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), one of the state's busiest safety-net hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers, could begin closure plans as soon as June if the state legislature does not provide financial assistance this legislative session. Workers with Hennepin Healthcare and the Minnesota Nurses Association say HCMC is facing up to $1.7 billion in losses over the next 10 years due to a combination of federal Medicaid changes, the dissolution of Ucare, and the end of the public health emergency.

Why it matters

HCMC is the largest Medicaid provider in Minnesota and serves as a critical safety-net hospital for underinsured, uninsured, and patients with complex medical and social needs. Its potential closure would have ripple effects across the state, as HCMC accepts patients from surrounding states and other Minnesota hospitals rely on it as a partner.

The details

Hennepin officials have been warning lawmakers of the potential HCMC closure since the start of the legislative session in February, but workers say no substantial action has been taken yet. One option being discussed is redirecting an existing sales tax currently used to pay off bonds for Target Field's construction to instead support HCMC, but that would require legislative approval. Health care workers are not making specific demands, only pleading for any help to save the hospital.

  • The legislative session is set to resume on April 7 and run until May 18.
  • In a February 27 Senate hearing, Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley warned that HCMC could see up to $1.7 billion in losses over the next 10 years.

The players

Hennepin Healthcare

The health care system that operates Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), one of Minnesota's busiest safety-net hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers.

Minnesota Nurses Association

The labor union representing nurses in Minnesota, including those who work at HCMC.

Jeremy Olson-Ehlert

A registered nurse at HCMC and the second vice president of the Minnesota Nurses Association.

Angela Conley

A Hennepin County Commissioner who warned in a February Senate hearing that HCMC could see up to $1.7 billion in losses over the next 10 years.

Shane Hallow

The president of the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs.

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What they’re saying

“We're halfway through session and there has been no legislation put forward yet. So it's hard to have a position when lawmakers have not proposed anything.”

— Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, Registered Nurse, HCMC and Second Vice President, Minnesota Nurses Association

“The people who will be hit the hardest are the ones who already have the fewest options. Patients who are underinsured, uninsured, or dealing with complex medical and social needs have relied on HCMC, and without it … the gaps in care will only widen.”

— Shane Hallow, President, Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs

“If HCMC is shuttered, patients will wait significantly longer in emergency departments and hospitals across Minnesota will lose a partner that they rely on. There is no backup plan, there is no extra capacity, and there is no other place for these patients to go, because HCMC is not just a Minneapolis hospital, it's Minnesota's safety net.”

— Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, Registered Nurse, HCMC and Second Vice President, Minnesota Nurses Association

What’s next

The Minnesota Legislature is set to return from break on April 7 and remain in session until May 18. Health care workers are urging lawmakers to take action to save HCMC before the hospital potentially begins closure plans as early as June.

The takeaway

The potential closure of HCMC, Minnesota's largest Medicaid provider and a critical safety-net hospital, would have devastating consequences for the state's most vulnerable patients and create significant strain on the entire health care system. Lawmakers must act quickly to provide the necessary financial assistance to keep this vital institution open.