News

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.

Elderly Waiver Distribution Plan Template

On November 27, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

2023 Legislative Session Begins

On January 5, 2023 by Kayla Khang

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature gaveled in the start of this year's session. LeadingAge Minnesota and our Long-Term Care Imperative partner are prepared to advocate for our members and share our key message throughout the session, which is slated to end in May. With a $17 billion budget surplus, lawmakers must act to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and that caregivers receive the wages they deserve.

Elderly Waiver Rate Caps Increasing January 1

On November 17, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

The customized living, 24-hour customized living, and overall case mix caps in the Elderly Waiver (EW) program increase effective Jan. 1, 2023, because they are tied to the rise in care center rates. The 24-hour customized living caps will increase by 9.69%, which is the amount of the 2022 care center increase, and the overall EW caps are going up by 9.63% due to minor rate changes in a couple of EW services.

Governor’s Budget Cuts Care Center Funding, Assumes Fee-Drive Approach to Assisted Living Oversight

On February 20, 2019 by Jeff Bostic

Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan yesterday released the One Minnesota budget that proposes to spend $49 billion in the next two years on a wide range of priorities. The budget contained mixed news for older adult services. While it supports the interim work on older adult protection, the budget does not include increased Elderly Waiver funding, only partially funds the DWRS increase for adult day providers, assumes a fee-driven approach for assisted living providers and reduces Value-Based Reimbursement for care centers. 

DHS EW Rate Report Recommends Rate Increases

On January 29, 2019 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) released a final report on Elderly Waiver (EW) rates that suggests numerous changes to reflect how services are provided and what type of staff provide them. The good news for providers is the evaluation reinforces the point that current rates do not reflect the true value of the service provided. 

Question of the Week: Elderly Waiver Policies

On January 29, 2019 by Bobbie Guidry

During our recent round of District Meetings, we received several questions regarding changes that were made to the Elderly Waiver policies based on our legislative efforts in 2017. We are reprinting this helpful synopsis as a quick reference guide, which many LeadingAge Minnesota members have found helpful when working with case managers. 

Elderly Waiver Rates for Jan. 1 Released

On November 14, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) yesterday published new rates for services under the Elderly Waiver (EW) program and other waiver programs that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. The new rates reflect the impact of the EW rate reform that the Long-Term Care Imperative was able to pass in 2017.    

DHS Offering Webinar with Preliminary Results of Adult Day Study

On August 7, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is working on a couple of studies funded by legislation passed in 2017 that authorized the beginning of a process for updating Elderly Waiver rates. One of those studies has a focus on Adult Day Services, including how it is licensed and paid for in other states. 

Elderly Waiver Provider Cost Survey Deadline Extended

On June 4, 2018 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has extended to deadline to complete the Elderly Waiver (EW) provider cost survey to Monday, June 11. The survey is an important step toward establishing the need for rate reforms, and we strongly encourage all members to participate.