The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are proposing to form a nonprofit that would invest up to $1 billion in improving statewide health care access over five years.

The U announced a “proposed framework” for a nonprofit entity with the Duluth-based health system, but the connection to Fairview’s University of Minnesota Medical Center is unclear.

(ABC 6 News) — A new healthcare system is being proposed between the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health. The organizations say the $1 billion plan would help overcome healthcare challenges seen in Minnesota like rising costs, limited access, and health disparities.

Essentia Health and the University of Minnesota are looking to form a new non-profit health care organization, which could mean $1 billion dollars in investment.

MINNESOTA — Essentia Health and the University of Minnesota are looking to build a more sustainable future together with $1 billion dollars investment over the several years. Both organizations’ leaders have proposed the formation of a new non-profit health care organization,

The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are in early discussions to create an “all-Minnesota health solution" under a new nonprofit entity.

Address the most urgent healthcare needs of the state in new ways — for today and the future, Build on the strengths of the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health to lead a