News

The ongoing federal government shutdown is now threatening key programs that help Minnesotans stay warm and support early childhood development.

Following recent LeadingAge Minnesota member webinars on the upcoming Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MPL) law, we received dozens of thoughtful and practical questions from providers.

On Oct. 28, the Walz Administration announced it would be using a new process for Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to review claims for certain Medicaid benefits and services before they are paid.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness application is open until Dec. 12, 2025. The program helps qualified HCBS providers fund employee scholarships and/or loan forgiveness for education and training related to a course of study that is expected to lead to career advancement within the HCBS field.

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota’s updated minimum-wage rates and new Paid Leave program take effect. Employers are required to post updated “Minimum Wage” and “Paid Leave” notices in the workplace. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has released updated posters—available now at no cost—to help you stay compliant.

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.

The ongoing federal government shutdown is now threatening key programs that help Minnesotans stay warm and support early childhood development. Funding delays for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could leave up to 125,000 Minnesota households struggling to afford heating costs as winter approaches, while the Cold Weather Rule offers only partial protection—excluding many rural residents who rely on propane or fuel oil. At the same time, several Head Start programs across the state face the loss of federal funding, putting services for preschool children at risk.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act has been reintroduced – A federal bill that proposes to recapture up to 40,000 previously authorized but unused immigrant visas—25,000 for nurses and 15,000 for physicians.

LeadingAge Minnesota business partner CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) recently released their 40^th Annual SNF Cost Comparison and Industry Trends Report. This year's report is centered on the importance of understanding the reimbursement landscape, how quality drives performance, and enhancing business operations and acumen.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 18 at noon and join the Fund Developer Network for an interactive conversation on all things fundraising in senior care.

Voters in Duluth and St. Paul pass ballot referendums on Tuesday intended to provide added protections to renters. Member organizations who operate apartments or assisted living facilities should be aware of these changes and how they may affect their operations.

The LeadingAge Minnesota QUEST Report is now available for second quarter 2025. This quarterly analytic resource for association members focuses on key trends in the senior care sector:

The Sholom Foundation recently announced the appointment of Ted Flaum as its new Chief Development Officer, effective October 13, 2025.

We’re pleased to welcome Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) as a new member of LeadingAge Minnesota! For more than 50 years, Alight has worked alongside immigrants and refugees to help them build safety, stability, and belonging.

Health Dimensions Group (HDG), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members and the promotion of another within its quality team.