News

New Adult Day VA Rates Released

On January 26, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

The Veterans' Administration (VA) released new rates for CY 2023 that are effective for care delivered on and after Feb. 1. Nationally, adult day services (ADS) rates increased by 7%, then adjusted by the location's wage index. In about ten locations, VA medical centers (VAMC) asked the VA to freeze CY 2022 rates for CY 2023, and these requests were approved; most of the locations were in Northern California.

Required Training for Provider Enrollment and Revalidation

On January 26, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

Providers enrolled or seeking enrollment with the State Department of Human Services (DHS) as home and community-based service providers, including waiver-paid customized living or adult day services, must include evidence of two specific trainings.

Long-Term Care Messaging Resonates with Minnesotans, According to Polls

On January 26, 2023 by Libbie Chapuran

LeadingAge Minnesota, with our partners in the Long-Term Care Imperative, conducted a statewide public opinion poll to support our legislative agenda in 2023. The poll results affirm and refine the key messages we use and help us target supporters who advocated alongside us throughout the legislative session.

2023 Legislative Solutions: Defining Solutions that Support Seniors and their Caregivers

On January 19, 2023 by Erin Huppert

In pursuit of our advocacy efforts this year, the Long-Term Care Imperative has created a one-page handout that clearly defines aging services' challenges and outlines the legislative solutions to address them. We encourage you to download and familiarize yourself with our 2023 Legislative Handout.

Gov. Walz Releases Proposed Workforce Budget; Implications for Long-Term Care

On January 19, 2023 by Erin Huppert

This morning, Governor Tim Walz released a preview of his proposed budget addressing Minnesota's workforce challenges. This preview covers a variety of sectors and includes some investments benefitting aging services.

2023 Institute & Expo – Don’t Miss the Expo, Solutions Stage, Meetup Groups, and Events

On January 12, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

Explore hundreds of service and product options in the exhibit hall to help make your work easier. Our exhibitors always look forward to seeing you in person. Preview our exhibitor list and plan to spend some time connecting with them.

Revalidation underway for HCBS Providers (organizations beginning with S & T) – Training Available

On January 12, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry

Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) sent revalidation notices at the end of December to Home and Community-Based Services (provider type 18 organizations starting with letters S and T).

Early Attention Paid to Long-Term Care Funding in Minnesota Senate

On January 12, 2023 by Kayla Khang

The Caregiver Stabilization Act (SF 7) was heard in the Senate Human Services Committee on Monday afternoon.

Adult Day Sector Still Struggling to Recover from the Pandemic

On January 12, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

LeadingAge Minnesota completed a survey of our adult day services members to evaluate their financial health and the challenges they are facing in recovering from the impacts of the Covid pandemic. The results make clear that adult day service providers face many challenges as they attempt to maintain this vital part of the network of services for the elderly and disabled.

2023 Legislative Session Begins

On January 5, 2023 by Kayla Khang

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Legislature gaveled in the start of this year's session. LeadingAge Minnesota and our Long-Term Care Imperative partner are prepared to advocate for our members and share our key message throughout the session, which is slated to end in May. With a $17 billion budget surplus, lawmakers must act to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and that caregivers receive the wages they deserve.

With Session Starting Jan. 3, LeadingAge Minnesota Finalizes 2023 Legislative Agenda

On December 22, 2022 by Erin Huppert

The Minnesota Legislature will convene on Jan. 3, 2023. LeadingAge Minnesota has finalized its member-developed, board-approved legislative priorities for the upcoming session. At the top of the list: ensuring providers across the continuum of care have the resources needed to ensure access to care for Minnesota's seniors and pay caregivers the wages they deserve.

2022 Leadership Academy Fellows Complete Year of Development and Growth

On December 8, 2022 by Barbara Landeen

On Dec. 1, the 2022 Leadership Academy Class of Fellows completed their program year of leadership development. The official graduation for the cohort of 45 leaders will be celebrated at the 2023 Institute & Expo.

Second Round of Revalidation for DHS Enrolled Providers Announced

On December 8, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will send Provider Revalidation notices to HCBS providers with names beginning with S and T at the end of December. Affected settings provide waiver services in home and community-based settings, including Adult Day Services and Assisted Living (Customized Living).

The Deaf and Hearing Services Division of MDH Offers New Resources

On December 8, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has created a series of guides to help service providers understand types of hearing loss and possible accommodations:

Largest Surplus in Minnesota’s History: What it means for long term care providers

On December 8, 2022 by Kayla Khang

This week, Minnesota's budget forecast for the 2024-2025 biennium showed a $17.6 billion surplus, the largest in Minnesota's history. Most of the forecasted budget is "carryforward," meaning that about $12 billion of the surplus money will only be able to be spent on one-time investments.

Minnesota Ahead of Most States in Effort to Comply with HCBS Settings Rule

On December 1, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The federal government is giving states and providers an ultimatum to make progress on meeting the requirements of the home- and community-based services settings final rule that goes into effect in the spring. Minnesota is only one of 18 States that has already received final approval of the statewide transition plan. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Minnesota State Transition plan on Feb. 12, 2019.

Workforce Development Resource Round-up

On October 20, 2022 by Anna Mowry

September was National Workforce Development Month. To celebrate LeadingAge Minnesota and our national partners at LeadingAge released several resources for members to support and grow their workforce.

For Provider Members

On October 19, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

Participate in LeadingAge Minnesota Committees in 2023

On October 13, 2022 by Lori Meyer

As the new year approaches, we invite you to participate in LeadingAge Minnesota committees in 2023. We are tackling your challenges on numerous fronts, and we need you to help shape the critical work ahead.

Study Finds Adult Day Closures Linked to Participants’ Cognitive Decline

On September 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that pandemic-related closures of adult day services left older adults and caregivers without critical support. The magnitude of the impact of adult day closures on well-being, particularly among members of racial/ethnic minority groups, has yet to be measured because nationally representative data sets associated with adult day center participation do not yet exist.