News

Impact Calculations Available for Federal Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule

On May 2, 2024 by Jeff Bostic

A new resource is available to LeadingAge Minnesota members that allows nursing home providers to calculate the financial impact of the staffing mandate from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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

DHS Receives Report Endorsing Continuing RUGs Case Mix

On August 10, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

A report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recommends the ongoing use of RUGs case mix, despite upcoming changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).

New DHS FAQs for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments

On August 3, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a second Frequently Asked Questions document to help address some of the questions regarding the Aug. 1 payments sent to all care centers.

MDH to Implement Optional State Assessment Starting October 1

On July 27, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

This morning, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that as of Oct. 1, it will be implementing an Optional State Assessment (OSA) as part of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment done by all care centers.

DHS Develops FAQ for Aug. 1 Care Center Payments

On July 20, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been receiving many questions about the Aug. 1 payments that will be sent to all care centers.

DHS Starts Process for Distributing Lump Sum Payments to Care Centers

On July 6, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed plans to distribute lump sum payments for care centers approved in the recently completed legislative session.

Attention Care Centers: Select New QIIP Goals Now

On June 22, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that they have opened the selection process for all care centers in the Medical Assistance program to select a new goal to work on for another round of the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP). Each year, based on their progress toward the goal they select, care centers receive a rate increase of $0 to $3.50 per resident day for QIIP. 

ICYMI: Legislature Adjourns with Historic Funding for Aging Services

On May 25, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

As of Monday at midnight, the Minnesota Legislature has adjourned the 2023 legislative session. After months of tireless advocacy by seniors, their families, and their caregivers, we are proud to report that we have left the session with historic investments in aging services that will help ensure access to care for Minnesota seniors and support caregivers with the wages they deserve.

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.

Despite Opposition, Nursing Home Workforce Board Set to Advance in 2023 Legislature

On May 11, 2023 by Erin Huppert

A proposal to create a regulatory Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board within the Department of Labor is poised to advance this session. The measure recently included in the Jobs and Labor Omnibus Conference Report will allow the Governor to appoint a nine-person commission to adopt rules establishing minimum nursing home compensation standards for nursing home workers.

LTC Imperative Financial Survey Shows Continuing Challenges for Providers

On April 27, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

A new survey of nursing home and assisted living providers conducted by the Long-Term Care Imperative shows that the challenges faced by providers are continuing. Lack of adequate state funding to support higher wages for Minnesota’s long-term care workforce has pushed nursing homes and assisted living settings deeper into financial distress, resulting in diminished access and fewer care options for Minnesota’s seniors and families.

Several Updates to SNF Quality Reporting Program in Proposed PPS Rule

On April 20, 2023 by Julie Apold

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule. It includes several proposed SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) changes. 

Waiver and Medical Assistance Financial Eligibility Renewals at the End of PHE Continuous Coverage Period

On April 13, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

On April 7, the Minnesota Department of Human Services released Bulletin #23-21-08: DHS Announces Key MHCP Eligibility Policies during the Unwinding Period (PDF), which announces timelines for restarting Medical Assistance renewals after Public Health Emergency continuous coverage requirements end. These timelines also apply to reassessments for waiver and AC programs, including financial eligibility redeterminations for the AC program.

Reminder from DHS: CADI and BI Age Limit for New Customized Living Settings

On April 13, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

In a recent bulletin, the Department of Human Services (DHS) reminded providers that effective Jan. 11, 2021, an age limitation was applied to new customized living (CL) services settings for Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver programs. Customized living services settings operational on or after Jan. 11, 2021, are limited to serving people on the BI and CADI waivers who are age 55 and older. This change was announced in the Implementation of the HCBS rule tiered standards, effective Jan. 11, 2021.

Listen: WCCO Radio Airs Fluence Forum on Senior Services Issues

On April 6, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

WCCO political analyst Blois Olson hosted a new Fluence Forum, a conversation about the caregiving crisis in Minnesota.

Without Addressing Staffing Mandate, CMS Updates SNF Rates in Proposed PPS Rule

On April 6, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the annual proposed rule that updates the Prospective Payment System (PPS) rates for care centers. The rule calls for an update in the rates starting Oct. 1, which averages 3.7%.

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.