News

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, invites interested stakeholders to apply to join the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Disparities Advisory Group. 

Applications are still being accepted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) from Medicaid-certified nursing facilities to receive up to $3,000 in Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds to purchase communication technology. 

Minnesota will soon become the first state in the nation to including house stabilization as a new state Medicaid benefit for people with disabilities and seniors.   

As Minnesota starts to see a downward trend in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, there is increased pressure from families and loved ones to re-open congregate care settings to visitors and restart communal dining, programming and other activities. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advises that people should not let their guard down, and we know we must remain vigilant as elders in our settings continue to be at a greater risk than the rest of this population.   

The 5310-program vehicle grant application process is open for fiscal year 2022 and 2023. Grant awards fund 80% of vehicle purchase cost with the 20% match required from non-Department of Transportation (MnDOT) sources. The program only includes lift-equipped buses.  

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is considering how best to move forward with previously planned work, including Waiver Reimagine, during COVID-19. DHS is seeking input from disability services providers in their availability to participate in this project.  

The pressure is building for nursing homes and assisted living to be able to provide salon services in thier settings and host outdoor visits with residents and families.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently prepared the data needed for all nursing facilities 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 up to $3.50 per resident day. 

There is a new process for waiving maximum charge limits for Supplemental Nursing Service Agencies (SNSAs) when they are providing staff to work in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities that serve residents with COVID-19.   

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) this week released a bulletin that describes the process for providing add-on payments to customized living providers who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving residents or staff. 

The annual re-calculation of the Housing Support, formerly Group Residential Housing (GRH), rate that covers rent and raw food for eligible participants has resulted in an increase of $12 per month. The new rate of $934 will be effective July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021.  

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that, with State approval, Medicaid-certified nursing facilities are eligible to receive up to $3,000 to purchase communication technology that will enable residents to conduct virtual visits with family and friends and to participate in telehealth visits.  

The State of Minnesota yesterday released an unusual budget update to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state budget. As anticipated, the economic slowdown tied to the COVID-19 response is projected to have an enormous impact with the state now anticipating a deficit of $2.4 billion for the biennium.  

Senator Karin Housley, chair of the Minnesota Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, called on Governor Tim Walz’s administration to immediately implement guidelines for widespread testing at the state’s long-term care facilities.   

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is conducting focused infection control surveys in Housing with Services (HWS)/Comprehensive Home Care communities.  

Knowing what PPE to use continues to be one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from members. A new chart from MDH brings clarity to this hot topic. 

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has posted an updated form and FAQ about reimbursement for COVID-19 related costs on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.  

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) last week announced seven nursing homes have been approved for moratorium exceptions construction projects in the latest round of available funding. Ten of the eleven submissions, and six of the seven selected, were LeadingAge Minnesota members so we are excited to see their interest in improving the environment for the people they serve.  

In a move to support services and staffing in response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance to lead agencies regarding EW customized living rate protocols. 

All providers are encouraged to attend the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) weekly COVID-19 webinar for Long-Term Care. MDH epidemiologists and clinicians will provide up-to-date information and guidance, answer questions, and address concerns.