News

Did you know that Minnesota law allows skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to provide adult day services without obtaining a separate Adult Day Services license? Under Minn. R. 9555.9610, subp. 2, a licensed SNF may serve up to five individuals from the community who do not reside in the facility through an adult day program operating under the facility’s existing license.

This morning (Thursday, Jan. 29), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar officially announced her candidacy for Governor of Minnesota, stepping into a high-profile contest to succeed outgoing Gov. Tim Walz. 

Late last year, health insurer UCARE announced that due to mounting financial losses they would be shutting down operations.  They are now officially in court ordered “rehabilitation” which has put MDH in charge of all UCARE operations.

DHS this week provided updates regarding claims processing related to their November announcement of the State contracting with Optum, a third-party vendor, to conduct prepayment reviews of the 14 high-risk Medicaid services named in the executive order issued by Governor Walz.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced the upcoming launch of the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program, established under new legislation effective Jan. 1, 2026 (see Minnesota Statutes, section 144G.31). This program supports projects and initiatives that improve resident quality of care and outcomes in assisted living settings licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G, or organizations with experience in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices.

Some members are navigating increased questions related to immigration enforcement activity reported in communities across the state—including both metro and greater Minnesota communities with higher concentrations of immigrant populations. While LeadingAge Minnesota is currently not aware of any senior living or long-term care facilities with reported ICE raids, we also know that some employers are seeing related activity—document requests or staff concerns stemming from encounters outside of work—and are seeking ways to respond proactively and compassionately.  

In assisted living settings, unlicensed staff are often the first to respond to resident situations. LeadingAge Minnesota developed member supports to assist in clarifying practical expectations for incident response, reinforcing the use of the airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs), and providing education and tools that help organizations make decisions about when, and whether, to move a resident after a fall.

The Low-Income Rental Classification (LIRC) program provides a reduced property tax class rate for qualifying rental housing and can lower property tax obligations.

In November, voters in Duluth, Minnesota approved a Right to Repair ballot initiative, granting tenants a right to repair certain defects in residential rental units when applicable requirements are met.

The MN Department of Revenue has recently reorganized their website content and added more training resources to help customers navigate the CRP system.

Federal enforcement activities in Minnesota have intensified following national directives expanding expedited removal and activating multi-agency Homeland Security task forces.

Effective November 2025, MDH is using a new Physical Environment Inspection Report to document physical environment deficiencies identified during:

Due to mounting financial losses, health insurer UCARE announced earlier this week that it is shutting down all operations and will be transferring clients to another non-profit Minnesota health insurer, Medica.

Stratis Health has been selected by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to create an educational toolkit to support compliance with state regulations for new and current home care and assisted living providers.

Providers enrolled with Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) are provided a MN-ITS Mailbox that is used by DHS to provide important information. MN–ITS will soon be moving to LoginMN. Enrolled providers will receive a pop-up message in MN–ITS to enter and confirm your work email and phone number.

An addition to Minnesota’s Assisted Living Bill of Rights was passed in the 2025 legislative session and is effective Jan. 1, 2026. The addition simply ensures the right to have a support person physically present at the times of a resident’s choosing.

For nearly 30 years, the Senior LinkAge Line has been Minnesota’s primary aging resource connecting older Minnesotans, caregivers and others to the services and supports they need.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking proposals for the Drive for Five Initiative Competitive Grants to conduct outreach, provide education and training, and job placement in high-demand fields, including the caring professions.

You can now use e-Services to create and submit 2025 Certificates of Rent Paid (CRPs). By making 2025 CRPs available now, you have the option to create CRPs for renters who move before the end of the year. You must give each renter a CRP by January 31 of each year.

In Minnesota, landlords are required to notify residential tenants about the availability of the Minnesota Attorney General's Office Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook.