News
Category: Featured News
Welcome to the Featured News category. The following news items include major developments in the aging services world, as well as important notifications and timely reminders.
MN–ITS Has Moved to LoginMN: What Providers Need to Know
On June 18, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has moved MN–ITS access to LoginMN, impacting all MN–ITS users, including providers, counties, managed care organizations, tribes, and state users.
Joe Schomacker Joins LeadingAge Minnesota as Vice President of Solutions
On June 18, 2026 by Kari Thurlow
LeadingAge Minnesota is pleased to announce that Joe Schomacker will join LeadingAge Minnesota as Vice President of LeadingAge Solutions on Monday, June 22.
June District Meetings Highlight Community Engagement, Advocacy and Member Connections
On June 18, 2026 by Jessica Lacher
LeadingAge Minnesota members gathered across the state in June for the association's district meetings, bringing together providers, county leaders, advocacy partners and members for important discussions about the future of aging services in Minnesota.
What Does Minnesota’s New Happy Hour Bill Mean for Independent Living?
On June 11, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
The June 4 edition of Advantage included a detailed article titled What Providers Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Happy Hour Process. The new Minnesota law loosens some of the red tape for licensed assisted livings, nursing homes, and boarding care homes.
Annual QIIP Selections Open for Nursing Homes
On June 11, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
The annual selection for the Quality Improvement Incentive Payment Program (QIIP) for nursing homes is due by July 12. The selection for this year will be judged based on the period from July 1, 2026 through July 1, 2027 and will apply to rates effective January 1, 2027.
DHS Revalidation Update: Appeals and Billing Reinstatement
On June 11, 2026 by Ben Hansen
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued new guidance for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) providers affected by revalidation-related disenrollment.
Guidance Related to Emotional Support Animals Updated by HUD
On June 4, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
In a May 22 internal memo, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that the agency is reassessing its guidance for reasonable accommodations requests for assistance animals.
2026 Legislative Session Webinar Recording Now Available
On June 4, 2026 by Erin Huppert
Did you miss our 2026 Legislative webinar? Not to worry! This webinar is now available in our resource library and in our store.
New Website Coming Fall 2026: Investing in an Improved Digital Experience for Our Members
On June 4, 2026 by Ben Hansen
LeadingAge Minnesota is excited to announce that we will be getting a brand-new website this Fall, and the redevelopment work is already underway.
DHS Disenrolls Thousands of Providers: What We Know to Date
On June 4, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
DHS’s Minnesota Revalidate 2026 has moved from policy headline to a day-to-day operational issue — and, for many providers, into a period of unresolved uncertainty. The May 31 deadline has passed for providers in 13 high-risk Medicaid service categories, but the public outcome remains incomplete.
DHS Warns Providers: Be Alert for Revalidation Scam Calls
On May 28, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
Minnesota providers are navigating enough right now without having to wonder whether a call about revalidation is legitimate. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has issued a new warning that some providers are receiving suspicious phone calls from unauthorized individuals claiming to be connected to the revalidation process.
What CMS Is Signaling to Skilled Nursing Providers in the FY 2027 Proposed Rule
On May 28, 2026 by Kari Everson
The FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Proposed Rule is more than just another annual reimbursement update. While the headlines focus on a 2.4% payment increase, the deeper message from CMS is much more significant: the agency is preparing for tighter oversight, faster accountability, expanded reporting expectations, and increased scrutiny of MDS coding patterns across the skilled nursing industry.
Save the Dates: Summer Series — Meet the Experts
On May 21, 2026 by Jessica Lacher
Aging services rules, regulations and operational challenges are complex, but through membership with LeadingAge Minnesota, you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Bronze “Telly” Award Recognizes LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Recruitment Video Series
On May 21, 2026 by Ben Hansen
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is proud to celebrate national recognition for its “New Americans in Long-Term Care” recruitment and retention video series, which recently earned a Bronze Telly Award in the Non-Broadcast: Not-for-Profit category.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness with MOUs
On May 21, 2026 by Mark Schulz
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are a key part of a long-term care facility’s emergency preparedness plan, helping ensure residents can be safely transferred or temporarily sheltered when a facility cannot maintain operations.
Register Today for 13th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament – Aug. 4
On May 7, 2026 by Jenny Prosser
Join us for an afternoon of golf, networking, and impact at the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury. Proceeds support caregiver and employee scholarships—last year, you helped raise nearly $60,000!
Emergency Preparedness Training Series Underway
On May 7, 2026 by Mark Schulz
Yesterday (May 6) marked the launch of LeadingAge Minnesota’s new Emergency Preparedness Training Series for assisted living providers and nursing homes with the first webinar, Demystifying Preparedness: The Basics.
From MN-ITS to On-Site Visits: Staying Ahead of DHS Compliance in 2026
On April 30, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
If it feels like oversight activity is ramping up, you’re not imagining it. Between enhanced claim reviews, focused federal audits, and Minnesota’s revalidation push, providers are operating in a more scrutiny-heavy environment. The good news? None of this is unmanageable if you know what’s coming and stay organized.
Join Us in June! 2026 Summer District Meetings – Registration Now Open
On April 23, 2026 by Jessica Lacher
Registration is now open for LeadingAge Minnesota’s June district meetings, offering members an opportunity to connect, collaborate and stay informed on key issues impacting aging services across the state.
Registration Open: Emergency Preparedness Training Series for Assisted Livings and Nursing Homes
On April 16, 2026 by Mark Schulz
We are excited to announce a new, coordinated Emergency Preparedness Training Series designed to support assisted living providers, while also welcoming and encouraging participation from nursing homes. This initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting your organization’s compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Appendix Z requirements while strengthening real-world readiness.
