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.