WADENA, Minn. – Jan. 16, 2026 – Astera Health announced today that President and CEO Joel
Beiswenger has been selected to serve on a statewide Provider and Payer Advisory Task Force
through the Minnesota Department of Health.

The task force brings together healthcare leaders from across Minnesota to address rising healthcare
costs and identify practical ways to improve affordability, reduce unnecessary expenses, and
strengthen the healthcare system.
Beiswenger’s participation ensures rural Minnesota has a strong voice in statewide discussions. By
contributing real-world experience from a rural health system, Astera Health helps ensure that future
healthcare strategies reflect the needs of families, employers, and patients in Greater Minnesota.
“People in rural areas face unique challenges when it comes to access and affordability,” said
Beiswenger. “I’m proud to represent our region and help shape solutions that keep healthcare high-
quality, accessible, affordable, and close to home.”
Through this work, Astera Health continues its commitment to advocating for practical, patient-
centered solutions that strengthen local healthcare and support healthier communities.

ABOUT ASTERA HEALTH
Astera Health is a private, not-for-profit health care system based in Wadena, Minnesota. It offers
care services such as primary health, surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics,
orthopedics and rehabilitation. Astera Health operates a hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, and
serves the counties of Wadena, Todd and Otter Tail through five satellite clinics and two physical
therapy clinics in Bertha, Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka and Verndale. Visit asterahealth.org.