AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Quality: North Dakota Health and Human Services won national recognition for a hospital payment program linked to better care measures, including more children receiving wellness visits and more infants and toddlers receiving care. Local Care Access: Grand Forks Clinic and affiliated dialysis companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; the clinic’s owner says it will remain open. State Health Services: North Dakota opened a new State Laboratory with expanded capabilities. Coverage Costs: State officials approved 2027 rate increases for ACA health plans. Consumer Warning: Attorney General Drew Wrigley cautioned residents about unproven stem cell treatment offers. Rural Health: At the North Dakota Hospital Association convention, Sen. Kevin Cramer discussed rural healthcare; tribal entities in the state are also set to receive $20 million in federal health funds. Prevention: Public health officials recommended vaccinations for respiratory illnesses, while Williston State College highlighted flu shots and local resources.

Consumer Warning: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley cautioned residents about sellers promoting unproven stem-cell treatments, which he said could cause physical and financial harm. Health Care Access: Grand Forks Clinic and affiliated dialysis companies filed for bankruptcy, but the owner says the clinic will remain open. State Health Services: North Dakota opened a new State Laboratory on the Capitol grounds, with expanded capabilities. Insurance Costs: State officials approved higher rates for 2027 ACA health plans. Maternal Care: A new report found North Dakota is among 10 states with no birth centers, an option associated with better outcomes for some low-risk pregnancies. Community Health: Williston State College will host a health fair Oct. 26, with local resources and flu shots available.**

Community Health: Williston State College will host a health fair Oct. 26, with flu shots from the Upper Missouri District Health Unit and information from local providers. Consumer Warning: Attorney General Drew Wrigley cautioned North Dakotans against unapproved stem-cell treatments promoted at restaurant sales events, warning of health and financial risks. Public Health Capacity: A new state laboratory on Capitol grounds brings Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality teams together, with upgraded safety features and expanded space. Maternal Care: A Commonwealth Fund report links birth centers with better outcomes, but North Dakota is among 10 states with none. Access and Costs: North Dakota approved rate increases for 2027 ACA plans; meanwhile, Grand Forks Clinic has filed for bankruptcy, though its owner says it will remain open. Health Investment: Tribal entities in North Dakota are set to receive $20 million in federal HHS funding.

Child Safety: North Dakota lawmakers are revising a proposal to protect minors from AI chatbots, including safeguards around sexual content, self-harm and mental health concerns. Public Health: The new $70 million State Laboratory opened in Bismarck, bringing state health and environmental teams together and adding room for expanded testing, including for PFAS and substances linked to near-fatal overdoses. Healthcare Access: Grand Forks Clinic has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but its owner says it will remain open. State-approved increases will raise rates for 2027 ACA health plans. Treatment Warning: Attorney General Drew Wrigley cautioned residents against unproven stem cell treatment offers. Maternal Care: A national report found North Dakota has no birth centers, which can offer an option for people with low-risk pregnancies.

Public Health: North Dakota’s new $70 million State Laboratory has opened on the Capitol grounds, bringing public health and environmental testing teams together. The facility is designed to expand testing for PFAS and substances linked to near-fatal overdoses. Insurance Costs: State regulators approved 2027 ACA plan rate increases averaging 7% to 19% in the individual market; about 45,000 North Dakotans buy coverage outside employer plans. Care Access: Grand Forks Clinic has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but its owner says the clinic will remain open. State officials also warn residents against unproven stem cell treatments, while public health officials recommend respiratory-illness vaccinations. Maternal Health: A new report finds North Dakota is among 10 states with no birth centers, an option associated with better outcomes for low-risk pregnancies. Veterans’ Care: NDSCS will offer free dental cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments to veterans on Nov. 9–10.

Insurance Costs: North Dakota approved 2027 ACA plan increases averaging 19% for Blue Cross Blue Shield, 13.27% for Medica and just over 7% for Sanford Health Plan. About 45,000 residents buy coverage outside employer plans. Clinic Finances: Grand Forks Clinic and six affiliated healthcare and business entities filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The owner says the clinic will stay open, accept new patients and continue services. Consumer Alert: Attorney General Drew Wrigley warned residents about sellers promoting unproven stem cell treatments, which can pose health and financial risks. Respiratory Health: Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated against flu and other respiratory illnesses ahead of the season, including COVID and RSV vaccines for eligible people.

Care Access: Grand Forks Clinic and six affiliated health and business entities filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but owner Dr. Khaled Rabadi says the clinic will stay open, accept new patients and continue services without interruption. Insurance Costs: North Dakota approved 2027 ACA rate increases averaging 19% for Blue Cross Blue Shield individual plans, 7.03% for Sanford and 13.27% for Medica; small-group increases range from 9.5% to 18.34%. Rising care costs are a key driver. Consumer Warning: Attorney General Drew Wrigley urged residents to avoid costly stem-cell treatments promoted with unproven claims to treat conditions including Parkinson’s, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. FDA registration does not mean a treatment is approved. Prevention: Public health officials urge North Dakotans to get flu shots and stay current on recommended COVID and RSV vaccines as respiratory-virus season approaches. Disability Services: Anne Carlsen Center received a $100,000 grant to strengthen statewide services for people with developmental disabilities, complex medical needs and behavioral challenges. Rural Care: Nurse practitioner Bri Krump has joined Sanford Health’s Hankinson and Lidgerwood locations, bringing family-care experience to the communities she knows.

Rural Care: Bri Krump, a family nurse practitioner with rural roots, is joining Sanford Health’s Hankinson and Lidgerwood locations to expand care for patients of all ages. Health Workforce: North Dakota employers in health care and social assistance filed 25 H-1B petitions in northeast North Dakota and 22 in the central region in 2025, according to recent reports. Coverage Costs: State officials have posted 2027 health insurance rate changes, with premiums set to rise. Public Health: North Dakota HHS is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season, while a new state laboratory is set to open on the Capitol grounds. Health Support: The state received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services, and more than $27 million in LIHEAP assistance was announced for North Dakota and tribal communities.

Coverage Costs: North Dakota health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with the insurance commissioner posting next year’s rate changes. Prevention: State health officials urged residents to prepare for respiratory-virus season, while Grand Forks Public Health offered a vaccination opportunity. Public Health Capacity: North Dakota planned a Capitol-ground ribbon-cutting for its new State Laboratory, and the state received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services. Care Access: A Fargo-area nonprofit that has transported seniors and people with disabilities for 51 years is ending operations, raising concerns about how clients will get to appointments and essential services. Health Workforce: Employers in the health-care and social-assistance sector filed 25 H-1B petitions in northeast North Dakota during 2025, according to federal data.

Recovery Update: Mayville State quarterback Matthew Donovan, still in an induced coma after a September football injury, opened his eyes for about 45 minutes as family spoke with him. He may transfer to a Nebraska rehabilitation hospital as early as Monday. Respiratory Health: North Dakota Health and Human Services is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season and take steps to stay healthy. Insurance Costs: North Dakota’s 2027 health insurance rate changes have been posted, with major increases expected for Affordable Care Act plans. Family Support: The state received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services. In Fargo, a free Oct. 22 resource fair will connect older adults and caregivers with local services and offer a caregiving workshop.

Seasonal Health: North Dakota Health and Human Services is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season. Grand Forks Public Health is also offering a vaccination opportunity, while the state’s new laboratory is set for a ribbon-cutting Tuesday at the Capitol. Insurance Costs: North Dakota health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread posting next year’s rate changes. Aging and Caregiving: A free Fargo resource fair for older adults and caregivers is scheduled for Oct. 22, with local health and support providers and a caregiver workshop. Northland PACE is also helping area seniors live independently, and a documentary crew visited SMP Health–St. Aloisius in Harvey to spotlight nursing home residents and staff. Family Support: North Dakota received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services.

Caregiver Support: A free Fargo resource fair on Oct. 22 will connect older adults and caregivers with local services and offer a workshop on caregiving. Public Health: North Dakota Health and Human Services is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season, while a ribbon-cutting is planned Tuesday for the new State Laboratory. Insurance Costs: North Dakota’s 2027 health insurance premiums are set to rise, bringing higher costs for residents who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Senior Services: Northland PACE helps older adults remain independent, but a Fargo-area transportation nonprofit serving seniors and people with disabilities is ending operations after 51 years.

Senior Care: Northland PACE in Dickinson is highlighting its community-based medical, rehabilitation and support services as a way for older adults to live independently rather than move into nursing homes. Seasonal Health: North Dakota Health and Human Services is urging residents to prepare for respiratory virus season and take steps to stay healthy. Health Costs: North Dakota health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with the insurance commissioner posting next year’s rate changes. Health Workforce: North Dakota professors created a pharmacy-career card game to introduce high school students to more than 100 pharmacy roles, including in communities with limited access to pharmacists. Cancer Screening: North Dakota’s breast cancer death rate was 15 per 100,000 women in 2024, among the nation’s lowest; the figures underscore the importance of screening and timely follow-up. Public Health Infrastructure: The state is preparing to open a new laboratory on the Capitol grounds, while North Dakota also received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services.

Respiratory Health: North Dakota Health and Human Services urges residents to prepare for flu, RSV and COVID-19 season and talk with a provider about immunization. Children under 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, American Indians and those with chronic conditions face higher risk of severe illness. State Health Infrastructure: Gov. Kelly Armstrong is set to lead an Oct. 20 ribbon-cutting for the new North Dakota State Laboratory in Bismarck. Insurance Costs: North Dakota’s 2027 health insurance rates are posted, with reports warning of sharp increases for Affordable Care Act plans. Breast Cancer: CDC data show North Dakota recorded 15 breast cancer deaths per 100,000 women in 2024, among the lowest state rates; the national rate was 18.7.

Insurance Costs: North Dakota’s 2027 health insurance rates are posted, and ACA premiums are set to rise, putting affordability in focus for residents choosing coverage. Family Support: The state is receiving nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services. Community Health: Grand Forks Public Health is offering a vaccination opportunity, while Women’s Way is helping eligible women access screenings. Rural Care: A new hospital network aims to help North Dakota’s rural hospitals stay sustainable. Behavioral Health: A Bismarck middle school’s behavioral health program highlights local efforts to support students’ well-being.

Prescription Costs: A coalition of 45 states and territories is seeking court approval of settlements with three generic-drug makers over alleged price-fixing. Consumers who bought generic prescriptions between May 2009 and December 2019 may qualify for compensation. Regional Care: HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a merger that would bring together about 45,000 employees and clinics across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, pending regulatory review. Insurance: North Dakota health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with the state insurance commissioner posting next year’s rate changes. Rural and Family Health: North Dakota received nearly $2.9 million in federal funding for home-visiting services, while a new rural hospital network aims to help the state’s facilities remain viable. Drinking Water: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has returned to federal court, arguing that approvals for the Dakota Access Pipeline crossing did not adequately address spill risks to its water supply and treaty rights.