News

HCBS Workforce Incentive Funds Remain Delayed

On April 17, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has still not reached the point of sending money to employers, despite a plan to have done so by the end of March.

Governor Walz Releases Revised Budget that Continues to Support Major Cuts to Long-Term Care

On March 27, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

Late last week, Governor Walz released his revised budget proposal for the next two years, which continues to propose balancing the state budget on the backs of seniors and those who care for them.

Updated State Budget Forecast Shows Growing Long-Term Deficit

On March 6, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

Minnesota lawmakers received an updated budget forecast today that increases the chances that they will need to consider budget cuts to address future deficits. The forecast predicts a $456 Million surplus by the end of June 2027, down by $150 million since the last forecast in November of last year.

Governor Walz Releases Budget with Major Cuts to Long-Term Care

On January 16, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier today, Governor Walz released his budget proposal for the next two years, which amounts to an extremely disappointing proposal that balances the state budget on the backs of seniors and those who care for them. The combination of impacts, particularly for nursing homes, is almost certain to lead to a decline in access due to increased likelihood of closures, especially in rural areas.

Elderly Waiver Rates Increasing Jan. 1

On December 28, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Providers Required to Prepare Distribution Plan

As a result of advocacy by LeadingAge Minnesota and the Long-Term Care Imperative, 2024 rates for Elderly Waiver (EW) services include substantial increases for all services.

New Resource: Template EW Distribution Plan

On November 30, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Providers must develop an Elderly Waiver (EW) distribution plan and share it with employees as part of the requirements tied to rate increases effective Jan. 1, 2024. LeadingAge Minnesota has developed a template that can serve as the framework for member distribution plans.

DHS Releases Guidance on Spending Requirements for Increased EW Rates

On November 2, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted guidance on how Elderly Waiver (EW) providers should develop a distribution plan for the rate increase that starts Jan. 1, 2024.

$2.4 Billion Surplus Expected in State Budget

On October 26, 2023 by Kayla Khang

Minnesota is predicted to enter the 2024 legislative session with a $2.4 billion surplus based on state officials' most recent revenue report.

Minnesota Human Services Tour Highlights Session Victories for Elderly Waiver

On August 31, 2023 by Erin Huppert

Members and staff of the House and Senate Human Services Committees went into the community last week to experience firsthand the care given by long-term care providers, see the impact of their legislative actions, and talk about priorities for 2024. Over a single day, they visited five providers of senior care and disability services.

Human Services Conference Committee Completes Its Work with Mixed Outcomes for Aging Services Providers

On May 18, 2023 by Erin Huppert

The Human Services Conference Committee closed the conference report on Wednesday with far-reaching implications for senior care. The report, which will proceed to each legislative chamber for final passage, includes mixed outcomes for aging services providers.

Two Weeks Remain of the 2023 Legislative Session

On May 11, 2023 by Erin Huppert

The Legislature is required to adjourn by May 22. With less than two weeks remaining, LeadingAge Minnesota and its members continue to advocate for funding that will help ensure seniors have access to the care they need when and where they need it

House Human Services Committee Releases Omnibus Bill with Mixed Results for Senior Care

On March 30, 2023 by Erin Huppert

The Minnesota House Human Services Committee released its omnibus finance bill this week. The budget bill includes some priority legislation like Elderly Waiver funding and a PACE rate study but stops short of investing in skilled nursing care for older adults.

Walz’s Revised Budget Addresses Hospital Back-Ups, Not LTC Funding

On March 23, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Governor Tim Walz recently updated his budget proposal and introduced some new spending initiatives after the most recent budget forecast was released. Unfortunately, those initiatives do not include a rate increase for care centers despite the ongoing staffing and financial challenges. Despite the lack of support from the Governor, the Long-Term Care Imperative continues to work with legislators to advocate for this vitally needed funding.

Media Round-up: Advocates from Around the State Share Stories with Their Neighbors

On March 16, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

Around the state, LeadingAge Minnesota members have been lifting their voices and sharing their stories in the media to advance our goal of supporting seniors and their caregivers through legislative action.

Senate Human Services Holds Hearing on LTC Imperative Priorities

On March 2, 2023 by Erin Huppert

After a blizzard-induced postponement, the Senate Human Services Committee took up three long-term care bills championed by LeadingAge Minnesota and its Long-Term Care Imperative partner on Monday afternoon.  The three bills represent the breadth of aging services and the need to ensure they are available for seniors in all the places they call home. All three bills were laid over for inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill, which will be assembled and passed later this session.

New AL License Requirement Added for Renewals After August 1, 2022

On September 29, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

An announcement from MDH of a new assisted living license requirement has caused some confusion among providers who have just completed their first AL license renewal. The new provision applies to AL licenses renewed beginning August 1, 2022 and requires evidence showing that at least one resident was served during the previous licensing period to the renewal process.

Congressman Emmer Visits Guardian Angels With Members of MN Legislature

On September 1, 2022 by Dan Nelson

Last week, Congressman Tom Emmer joined Guardian Angels CEO Traci Larson, State Rep. Paul Novotny, and State Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer at Guardian Angels Care Center, a skilled nursing community in Elk River. LeadingAge Minnesota staff also attended the meeting.

Elderly Waiver Disproportionate Share Changes Expand Eligibility

On May 26, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

One of the provisions of the Health and Human Services policy bill that passed on the last night of the session made revenue-neutral revisions to the Elderly Waiver Customized Living (EWCL) disproportionate share program for the 2023 calendar year and beyond.

Elderly Waiver Rates Increasing on Jan. 1

On December 9, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Thanks to actions taken by the legislature earlier this year and the availability of federal funds targeted to home and community-based services, Elderly Waiver (EW) rates will be increasing this year for the first time in several years. The Long-Term Care Imperative has been advocating for a reform plan for many years that would tie those rates to the actual cost of providing care, which is especially important now as providers face workforce shortages and increasing costs to attract and retain caregivers.

DHS Implementing new Rate Floor for Disproportionate Share Customized Living Providers

On October 7, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier this year, the legislature approved a new program to assist Customized Living providers who serve a "disproportionate share" of Elderly Waiver (EW) clients. Any Customized Living provider who serves 80% EW clients as of Oct.1 of this year is eligible for a minimum rate for EW Customized Living clients of $119 per day for the period from July 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022. The program will be ongoing, and the floor will typically apply on an annual basis based on EW percentage on Oct. 1 of each year.