News

HCBS Workforce Incentive Funds to be Distributed Soon

On August 21, 2025 by Jeff Bostic

The slow developing HCBS workforce incentive grant program, officially named the Minnesota Care Force Incentive Grant Program by DHS, which was created and funded by the 2023 Legislature, has just reached the point of distributing funds to providers.

Bonuses from State Funds 

Under the program, HCBS workers, including those in assisted living, are eligible for bonuses from state funds. The law set the amount of bonuses at up to $1,000, but DHS has determined that based on interest in the program across HCBS providers, that bonuses must be limited to $770. 

The DHS contractor has been reaching out to providers to inform them of which employees are eligible for grants and how to access the funds. Those providers who have received grant funds then have 45 days to provide the bonuses to employees who are on the eligible list. In addition, providers should give their employees this form notifying them that they can deduct the grant amount from their state, but not federal, taxes. 

First Phase Application for HCBS Workforce Incentive Grants due by September 30

On September 20, 2024 by Jeff Bostic

The Home and Community Based services (HCBS) workforce incentive grant program being implemented by DHS is using a two-step process to determine how much funding each provider will receive.

Frontline Workers Receive State Bonus Checks

On October 6, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Pandemic frontline workers will begin to see $487.45 in one-time bonuses from the State of Minnesota this week. Applicants who chose direct deposit of their payment should see it in their accounts in seven to ten days. People who choose to be mailed a prepaid debit card should receive them in three to four weeks.

Breaking: Minnesota Legislature Reaches Tentative Deal on Frontline Worker Bonuses, UI Trust

On April 28, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Legislative leaders reached a tentative deal today to restore the Unemployment Insurance Trust and issue frontline worker bonuses, a stalemate that has plagued elected officials for months.

DHS Puts Out Guidance on Care Center Staff Bonuses

On December 16, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

$50 million in American Rescue Plan funding will be sent to care centers soon to provide retention and recruitment bonuses for employees. Although the initial announcement indicated the money would arrive in December, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to send the funding out on the Jan. 4 remittance advice due to red tape within the agency. Each care center will receive $10.97 times their number of Medicaid resident days on the 2020 cost report.

American Rescue Plan Funds to be Sent to Care Centers to Fund Bonuses

On December 2, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is developing plans to distribute the $50 million in American Rescue Plan funds to care centers after an announcement from Gov. Walz last week. This funding is to provide recruitment and retention bonuses to staff when staffing shortages are having a significant impact on care centers statewide. The Long-Term Care Imperative is pleased that the Administration has heard our workforce concerns and is taking steps to address that problem.