Help Shape the Future of Minnesota’s Waiver Rates

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Kelly Conrad

Providers regularly see where reimbursement rates align with the realities of delivering services, and where they do not. DHS is now seeking providers willing to bring that firsthand experience to its ongoing evaluation of rates for several Aging and Adult Services Division services.

DHS is continuing its work with Guidehouse to examine provider costs and employee wages. The project will include a second provider survey, building on the survey conducted in early 2025, as well as stakeholder engagement sessions with providers across Minnesota.

This is an opportunity for providers to help inform the process before rate recommendations are finalized. Selected participants will be able to share what it actually costs to deliver quality services, identify pressures that may not be fully reflected in existing data and provide feedback on Guidehouse’s recommendations.

DHS is seeking participants representing a range of provider sizes, geographic areas and service models. Services included in the rate evaluation are:

• Adult day services
• Adult companion services
• Chore services
• Community residential services
• Customized living services
• Home-delivered meals
• Homemaker services
• Individual community living supports
• Respite services

The specific services under review vary by waiver program and include services provided through the Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, Essential Community Supports, Brain Injury and Community Access for Disability Inclusion programs.

Participation would include up to three meetings of approximately two hours each, expected to take place between November 2026 and January 2027. Participants may also be asked to review supplemental materials between meetings.

Meaningful rate-setting depends on meaningful provider input. If the people responsible for staffing programs, paying wages and meeting increasingly complex service needs are not represented, the evaluation may not capture the full realities providers face. Your experience can help DHS and Guidehouse better understand the resources necessary to sustain access, support the workforce and deliver quality services.

Providers interested in being considered for the stakeholder groups should contact Kelly Conrad by October 9, 2026. Please include the services your organization provides and the waiver programs in which you participate.