Twin Cities Health Care

Minnesota has proudly earned an excellent reputation for health care services and healthy citizens.  The United Health Foundation named Minnesota as the healthiest state in the country primarily for the low rate of cardiovascular deaths and low rate of premature deaths.  Minnesota has also received accolades as one of the top five healthiest states for the last twelve consecutive years (Morgan Quitno Press).

Minnesota has also been fortunate to be a pioneer in recent years leading the way in advancing medical care. 

Here are a few examples of Minnesota's notable accomplishments in health care:

  • First open-heart surgery performed in 1954
  • First successful bone marrow transplant performed in 1968
  • A 5 year-old girl was the first patient to under go a heart operation in which the deep freezing technique was employed in 1952
  • First state to require doctors to appear before a board of examiners before being certified to practice
  • First transfusion of artificial blood performed in 1979; it is interesting that the patient was a Jehovah's Witness, who refused a transfusion of real blood because of his religious beliefs
  • Mayo Clinic in Rochester is known world-wide for its innovative treatments and doctors' expertise
  • Wearable, battery-operated cardiac pacemaker developed in 1958
  • First artificial heart valve replacements made in the 1950s
  • University of Minnesota Hospital recognized as a leading organ transplant center


It is estimated that 91% of people in Minnesota have some form of health insurance.  This means that more Minnesotans have health insurance than people in any other state.  While most residents obtain health insurance from their employer group or private insurers, the Minnesota Department of Human Services insures over 650,000 of Minnesota's residents.  About 70% of the department's budget is dedicated to these publicly-funded health coverage programs.  Through the state's recent - and successful - initiatives to make sure as many people as possible are insured, Minnesota's state-subsidized health insurance program is now used as a model for other states.

Twin Cities residents have access to some of the most talented health care professionals and award-winning facilities.  Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Hennepin County Medical Center, and the University of Minnesota Medical Center were all named among the "Best Hospitals of 2006" by US News and World Report.  What is more, Twin Cities residents are fortunate to be just 80 miles north of the Mayo Clinic, located in Rochester, which is considered one of the top medical institutions in the world.

It is important to note that another reason Minnesotans enjoy better health is that they are typically very active.  Regardless of the weather, you'll find Twin Cities residents outdoors walking, hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, boating, and otherwise actively enjoying life. 

The availability of trails, parks, gyms, lakes, and attractions in the area make the Twin Cities region a wonderful place to stay active and stay healthy.