Sanford Health Inks Deal With Minnesota's NCHS

Both health organizations said the affiliation would create more healthcare-related jobs, rather than layoffs, as the full integration of the systems continues over many months.

The Sanford Health Plan is currently the second largest commercial health insurer in South Dakota, covering more than 65,000 lives. Recently it was introduced in North Dakota and it is currently available in southwest Minnesota. Work is being done so we can offer both group and individual policies in northern Minnesota in the future. This is subject to regulatory approvals. In the meantime, Sanford Health Plan is available to all Sanford Health employees.

How will Mr. Sanford's gift be used in this new health system?

Mr. Sanford's gift of $400 million is being used for clearly defined Sanford Health Initiatives: The Sanford Project – a quest to cure Type 1 diabetes, Sanford Children's Clinic development around the world and a multitude of other research development projects. His most recent gift of $100 million will be used for advancement of breast cancer research and treatment. These initiatives will be part of the new integrated health system (including NCHS).