News

Join us on July 23 for an engaging and informative virtual session where you’ll meet three of LeadingAge Minnesota’s expert support team members. Learn about their areas of expertise, how they help members navigate everything from complex systems to day-to-day challenges, and how you can connect with them to strengthen your work.

Interviews with residents as part of the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s Mechanical Lift Project (Safe Lift) revealed a common and important theme: residents often do not feel like a true member of the team during the transfer process. They also described feeling like the transfer is simply a task to be completed — missing the opportunity for personal, human connection between staff and resident.

The passage of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) introduces substantial reforms to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, focusing on cost containment, program integrity, and greater state flexibility.

Assisted living facilities that provide customized living (CL) services to people on the Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers must follow specific limitations based on the setting’s CL enrollment date.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is implementing a procedural change to the background study process, effective July 14, 2025. Originally announced on June 16, this update is being reiterated to ensure broad awareness among providers. The change brings the background study process into alignment with federal requirements by shortening the timeline for completing required steps.

The State of Minnesota has announced a public hearing to seek feedback on its LIHEAP funding plan for 2026. The hearing is set for July 25, and comments can be made until Aug. 1.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for off-cycle Medicare provider revalidation to Jan. 1, 2026 — a significant shift from the previously announced Aug. 1, 2025 deadline. This marks the third postponement of the requirement.

On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-20-NH, announcing several impactful changes to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, set to take effect with the July and October 2025 quarterly data refreshes. These updates are part of CMS’s continuing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the accuracy and utility of performance data for nursing home providers, residents, and families.

Each month, Minnesota Housing posts an update for HUD providers called MOR Hot Topics. This publication recaps top items they’ve been finding in Management Occupancy Reviews (MOR) and other relevant updates for providers of HUD housing. 

We’re excited to share that the New American Resource Map is now available! This interactive tool highlights organizations, programs, and resources across Minnesota to help connect your staff—especially New Americans—with resources that support their lives outside of work. When our staff are well-supported, retention rates increase, and our entire long-term care community benefits.

Yesterday, an email from LeadingAge Minnesota was sent to the dues contact for our provider members with a personalized link to report your organization’s 2024 adjusted gross revenue. Thank you to everyone who has already completed this important step!

Medica Foundation is accepting applications for their Rural Health funding area. Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded for community-led solutions that address health needs and social determinants of health in rural communities.

LeadingAge Minnesota member Mary T. Inc., founded and operated by Dr. Mary Tjosvold, is hosting a benefit concert at Crooners Supper Club — also owned by Tjosvold — on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m.

LeadingAge Minnesota member St. Francis Health Services had a busy and exciting week filled with innovation and advocacy. Heritage Manor Healthcare Center in Chisholm made headlines in the Mesabi Tribune for hosting a public event that introduced two new additions to its programming: Pepper, an interactive humanoid robot, and Mobii, a state-of-the-art projection system.

LeadingAge Minnesota staff members Jessica Lacher and Shelli Bakken recently joined members Leon Tarlow and Reuben Knobel of Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for a meet-and-greet with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.