As a national leader in rural health care, Essentia Health takes pride in advancing the well-being and vitality of the communities we serve.

Essentia's latest community benefit report illustrates the depth of that commitment, which benefits underserved populations who may otherwise go without the care they need.

Essentia’s latest fiscal year (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025) shows over $539 million overall in community contributions. This total includes care provided without compensation, discounted care for uninsured patients and care that is only partially reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid.

"We have a profound opportunity as a nonprofit health system to positively impact our communities in so many different ways," Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman said. "We are often the largest employer and an economic pillar in the markets we serve, as well as an engaged community partner. Yet at the heart of what we do is care for people, and this report underscores our passion for ensuring everyone has access to exceptional care 24 by 7 in the places they call home."

The $539.2 million in community contributions includes:

• $180.6 million in community benefits
  • $110.9 million for costs in excess of Medicaid payments*
  • $37 million for Medicaid surcharge and MNCare tax
  • $18.7 million in charity care
  • $8.1 million for community-building activities and services
  • $4.1 million for health professions education
  • $1.7 million for research

• $358.5 million in other contributions
  • $302.2 million for costs in excess of Medicare payments*
  • $40.4 million for other care provided without compensation
  • $9.4 million for discounts offered to uninsured patients
  • $6.5 million for taxes and fees 

(*About 55% of Essentia's patients rely on government health insurance, such as Medicare and Medicaid, which reimburse health systems far less than the actual cost of care provided.)

Nonprofit health systems care for every patient, regardless of their ability to pay, and reinvest in that care with new facilities, state-of-the-art technology, education, research and hiring talented people. For example, in 2026, Essentia will start work on new emergency departments at Essentia Health-Virginia and Essentia Health-Fosston; open a new musculoskeletal center in the Brainerd Lakes area; and double the size of its clinic and pharmacy in Cloquet.

What community partners are saying about Essentia

"Our partnership with Essentia Health is helping us expand meaningful movement opportunities for children at every developmental stage," says Kim Pladson, president and CEO of TNT Kid’s Fitness and Gymnastics in Fargo. "Together, we're creating greater access to wellness initiatives and programming that support families and individuals of all abilities. By aligning our missions, we're elevating the health and well‑being of our entire community."

"Through their ongoing partnership, Essentia Health helps us tackle the root causes of poverty — ensuring children are prepared to succeed, families are strengthened and basic needs like food, housing and childcare are met," said Sandi Piatz, president and CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay. "Their investment allows us to connect data, experts and community resources to build long-term solutions and give every family the chance to thrive. From sponsoring our United Way of Cass-Clay School Supply Drive as our Hero Sponsor and providing school supplies to more than 6,500 families in need, to past investments in our work to end hunger for local families, Essentia is helping advance our work to empower children, strengthen families and lift entire households out of poverty."

"Essentia Health's support plays a vital role in helping Volunteers in Education (VinE) meet the growing academic and social-emotional needs of students in rural northeastern Minnesota," said Teresa de Venecia, executive director of Virginia-based Volunteers in Education. "Because of Essentia's investment, we strengthen tutor training and ensure high-quality, relationship-based support for more than 1,300 student engagements each month. Together, we are addressing the social determinants of health through education, helping children build confidence, improve academic achievement and create brighter futures. We are grateful for Essentia Health's partnership in supporting healthy youth development across the Iron Range."

"For over 10 years, Essentia Health has been a dedicated partner in helping Just Kids Dental bring preventive dental care directly to children at schools across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin," said Laura Borud, executive director of Just Kids Dental. "Essentia Health's generosity goes far beyond funding; it has allowed us to bridge the gap for tens of thousands of children who otherwise might go without dental care, expand into rural and underserved communities, reduce barriers to care and ensure that children at highest risk for dental disease receive critical services such as cleanings, sealants and fluoride varnish treatments. Because of Essentia Health's commitment to our community, more children across the Northland are healthier, smiling brighter and better prepared to succeed in school and in life."