June 4, 2026
Featured News
DHS Disenrolls Thousands of Providers: What We Know to Date
On June 4, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
DHS’s Minnesota Revalidate 2026 has moved from policy headline to a day-to-day operational issue — and, for many providers, into a period of unresolved uncertainty. The May 31 deadline has passed for providers in 13 high-risk Medicaid service categories, but the public outcome remains incomplete.
DHS’s program integrity page says the state had to revalidate 5,583 high-risk providers, and an April DHS news release said each provider would either be revalidated or receive a disenrollment notice. However, as of June 4, public reporting showed only 1,009 of the providers had been approved, leaving a central question unanswered: are thousands of pending providers still under review, or have many already received disenrollment notices not yet reflected in public totals?
For LeadingAge Minnesota members, this uncertainty matters most where organizations operate adult day, transportation, home- and community-based, recuperative care, or other service lines that intersect with DHS’s published high-risk categories.
LeadingAge Minnesota Advocacy Efforts
Association staff have already been in touch with legislators and the Walz Administration about the impact of widespread disenrollment. While we continue to raise concerns with our elected officials, our primary goal is to ensure expedient re-enrollment and validation of providers to minimize disruption to services and operations. To that end, we are calling for a statewide incident command operation to be instituted until all providers in good standing resume billing for services.
If you are concerned about your ability to sustain operations during this process, please reach out to Erin Huppert at ehuppert@leadingagemn.org; this will help inform our advocacy efforts.
Immediate Steps for Members
The immediate call to action for LeadingAge Minnesota members is practical. If your organization is in a DHS high-risk category, assign one person today to review the PRVLTR folder, confirm MPSE status, and escalate any RFMI or termination notice immediately. If you have received a disenrollment notice, review DHS’s short video and appeal guidance right away.
If your organization is not directly in scope but works with affected partners, now is the time to confirm continuity plans for members and residents whose care depends on outside transportation, disability, behavioral health, or other revalidating providers.
Additional things to know:
Why Minnesota Launched This Revalidation Push
Minnesota Revalidate 2026 is where a much larger Medicaid oversight fight meets day-to-day provider operations. The effort grew out of mounting fraud, waste, and abuse allegations involving several Minnesota-funded programs. After the Walz administration ordered a third-party audit of 14 high-risk Medicaid services in October 2025, Minnesota entered a formal corrective-action process with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
What DHS Expected from Providers
The state has consistently described this as an off-cycle revalidation, not the usual five-year renewal. Providers in scope were required to submit materials through the MPSE portal, respond to any Request for More Information, and then prepare for an unannounced site visit after documents were accepted.
DHS’s public step-by-step guidance is blunt about the consequences: failure to submit, failure to answer an RFMI, or failure to meet site-visit requirements can result in disenrollment, loss of billing eligibility, and the need to appeal within 60 days.
Provider Uncertainty, Appeals, and Continuity of Care
For providers that received a termination notice, this is a very time-sensitive issue. DHS says a provider has 60 days from the date of the notice to appeal, and that they will review appeals within five business days. If required information is still missing at that point, the provider may be given seven business days to cure the deficiency. During an appeal, DHS says payment suspension may be removed once the appeal is received and all required documentation is submitted.
DHS’s FAQ page also states providers may continue delivering services during the appeal process. However, DHS will not consider reinstating a provider’s ability to bill until the provider submits all required materials. For continuity of care, they may consider reinstating the ability to bill for some providers before completing site visits, but only after all materials have been submitted. Important note: if you provide services after getting a disenrollment (termination) notification and do not successfully complete the appeals process and are not reenrolled with MHCP, you are unable to bill DHS for reimbursement of services provided on or after the disenrollment (termination) effective date.
Providers are encouraged to review DHS’s instructional video on how to check the enrollment status, and what steps to take if a termination notice is received.
New Website Coming Fall 2026: Investing in an Improved Digital Experience for Our Members
On June 4, 2026 by Ben Hansen
LeadingAge Minnesota is excited to announce that we will be getting a brand-new website this Fall, and the redevelopment work is already underway.
In our 2025 member survey, members consistently told us that our website is difficult to navigate. Valuable resources and tools aren't always easy to find, and important updates about the work we're doing on behalf of members too often gets buried due to cluttered navigation. We heard that feedback, and as part of our strategic initiatives in 2026, we’ve invested in a full website redevelopment project.
We’ve partnered with New Media Campaigns, an award-winning web design and development agency based in North Carolina, to complete a comprehensive redevelopment of our website, with a planned launch in mid-Fall 2026. New Media Campaigns has done extensive web design work for clients in the non-profit & advocacy sector, and they stood out as the clear right choice during our RFP process late last year.
The work is already well underway, and we’re excited to introduce a modern, intuitive digital experience that connects members with the information, resources, and support they need more quickly than ever before.
Why A New Website Now?
In addition to the aforementioned member survey feedback, we’re also cognizant of the reality that, as the needs of our members and the aging services field continue to evolve, so must the tools and resources that support your work. This website redevelopment represents a significant investment in the future of LeadingAge Minnesota and our commitment to providing a digital experience that is modern, intuitive, and designed for you.
The new website will feature a clean, contemporary design and greatly improved user experience, making it easier than ever to find the information, resources, and opportunities that matter most. Whether you are looking for events and educational programs, policy and advocacy updates, workforce resources, technical support, or something else, the redesigned site will help you get where you need to go more quickly and efficiently.
Enhanced User Experience and Search
One of the primary goals of the project is to dramatically improve site navigation and search functionality. We know that members rely on LeadingAge Minnesota as a trusted source of information, and we want to ensure that important content is easy to locate and access. The new site will feature a streamlined navigation structure, enhanced search capabilities, and a more organized content experience that helps users find relevant information with fewer clicks.
In addition to improved functionality, the new website will be fully optimized for mobile devices and modern browsing habits. Whether you are accessing the site from your desktop, tablet, or smartphone, you can expect a seamless experience that reflects today's best practices in website design and accessibility. New Media Campaigns is a leader in this space, and the work they’ve already done has impressed our team immensely.
Delivering Value
Throughout the redevelopment process, our focus remains firmly on delivering value to members. Every design decision, content strategy, and technical enhancement is being guided by a simple question: How can we better serve the organizations and professionals who are advancing quality aging services across Minnesota?
We look forward to sharing updates, previews, and behind-the-scenes progress as the project moves forward over the coming months. Our goal is not simply to launch a new website, but to create a stronger digital foundation that helps members connect with resources, stay informed, and engage with LeadingAge Minnesota more effectively.
If you have questions, please contact Ben Hansen, Director of Communications.
2026 Legislative Session Webinar Recording Now Available
On June 4, 2026 by Erin Huppert
Did you miss our 2026 Legislative webinar? Not to worry! This webinar is now available in our resource library and in our store.
This one-hour session will provide an overview of key changes impacting aging services, including laws to strengthen Medicaid’s program integrity, support and advance the ability of unlicensed staff to recognize and respond to medical emergencies in assisted living communities, and support care centers and nursing home workers who are awaiting DHS and CMS approval for wage increases.
- RESOURCE LIBRARY: Minnesota Legislature: Impact to Aging Services | LeadingAge Minnesota This will link directly to the store product.
- STORE: Minnesota Legislature: Impact to Aging Services Members can access for free by logging in. This is also available to non-members for a fee.
Up next: our comprehensive review of all 2026 new laws will be released by June 30, 2026.
State News
What Providers Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Happy Hour Process
On June 4, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
Minnesota’s much-discussed “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” provision is now live, and it gives assisted living communities, nursing homes, and boarding care homes a clearer path to host resident-focused activities or events where alcohol may be served without obtaining a separate liquor license.
For providers, this is not just about pouring a drink. It is about dignity, agency, celebration, and the simple joy of gathering with neighbors and friends over a drink in the place residents call home.
What changed?
Under the new law, eligible senior care providers may serve alcohol to residents and their guests during resident-focused activities or events without needing a liquor license, so long as the facility follows the required process and all applicable alcohol-related laws.
That means a wine-and-cheese social, anniversary toast, holiday open house, or resident happy hour may now be possible without the old licensing barrier.
But before anyone starts chilling the chardonnay, there is one important first step.
Step one: Register the facility with AGE
Providers must notify the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, commonly known as AGE, of their intent to serve alcohol under this new provision.
DPS has now posted the registration page for assisted living communities, nursing homes, and boarding care homes.
Importantly, this is a one-time registration for the facility. Providers do not need to complete the AGE registration form before every resident event where alcohol may be served. Once the facility has registered and AGE has processed the paperwork, the provider may use the new process for future eligible resident-focused activities and events, assuming all other requirements continue to be followed.
Step two: Build in processing time
DPS has advised that providers should allow five days for AGE to process the facility’s registration paperwork.
At this time, AGE is working on adding a feature that will notify providers when registration has been processed. Until that feature is fully in place, providers should not assume instant confirmation. The safest approach is simple: submit the facility registration, allow five days for processing, and plan your first event date accordingly.
In other words, do not submit the form at 2 p.m. and set out the wine glasses later that day. Give AGE the processing window it has requested. Once that one-time facility registration has been processed, providers should not need to repeat the registration process for each future event.
Step three: Keep events resident-focused
The new flexibility is intended for activities or events organized for residents. Think resident happy hours, celebrations, social gatherings, and community-building events. This is not a general liquor license. It is a targeted exception designed to support quality of life for residents in senior care settings.
A good rule of thumb: if the event is centered on residents, planned for residents, and consistent with your community’s care, safety, and operations policies, you are on the right track.
Step four: Follow alcohol safety requirements
The new law removes the liquor license requirement in this specific setting, but it does not remove the responsibility to serve alcohol safely.
Providers should continue to follow all applicable requirements, including:
- Only serving individuals who are legally allowed to consume alcohol.
- Ensuring alcohol is served only in appropriate resident-focused settings.
- Preventing over-service.
- Maintaining a safe environment for residents, guests, and staff.
- Making sure staff involved in service meet applicable age requirements.
- Considering resident care plans, medication interactions, dietary restrictions, and individualized clinical concerns.
- Documenting internal policies and procedures for alcohol service.
This is a good moment for providers to review their current policies and make sure clinical, life enrichment, dining, risk management, and leadership teams are all on the same page.
The goal is not to make happy hour complicated. The goal is to make it safe, thoughtful, and easy to manage.
A provider-friendly checklist
Before hosting your first event under the new law, consider taking these steps:
- Review the DPS/AGE webpage for nursing homes, boarding care homes, and assisted living facilities.
- Complete the one-time AGE registration form for your facility.
- Allow five days for AGE to process the facility registration.
- Confirm the event is resident-focused.
- Review internal policies on alcohol service.
- Identify who will serve alcohol and confirm they meet applicable requirements.
- Review resident-specific considerations, including medications, care plans, and safety risks.
- Communicate expectations to staff, residents, and guests.
- Keep the event fun, welcoming, and well-supervised.
- Save documentation of your facility registration and internal planning.
Why this matters
Residents do not stop being adults when they move into assisted living. They do not stop enjoying traditions, celebrations, friendships, or the occasional toast. For many, these gatherings are about much more than what is in the glass. They are about reminiscing, laughing, honoring milestones, and feeling at home.
That is why this change has resonated so strongly. It recognizes something senior service providers have always known: quality of life is not an extra. It is central to good care.
What comes next?
DPS has indicated that AGE is preparing an additional handout with contacts and more information for the industry. Once that handout is available, providers should review it and incorporate any additional guidance into their planning.
For now, the key message is this: The registration page is live. Providers should complete the one-time facility registration, allow five days for processing, follow applicable safety requirements, and then plan eligible resident-focused events with care.
Minnesota Housing Releases Updated Rent and Income Limits
On June 4, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) rent and income limits. These limits are now available on Minnesota Housing’s Multifamily Rent and Income Limits webpage. Minnesota Housing uses the HUD published limits to compute income and rent limits for Multifamily loan programs.
HUD published FY2026 income limits for the Section 8 Program and Multifamily Tax Subsidy Projects (MTSP) for Housing Tax Credits (HTC) and Tax-Exempt Bond financed properties. Per HUD, these limits have an effective date of May 1, 2026.
Based on these updates, the following FY2026 income and rent limits are now available on Minnesota Housing’s Multifamily Rent and Income Limits webpage:
- Section 8 limits and related transmittal notice
- MTSP rent and income limits, Tables A through R
- Deferred loan rent and income limits
- Affordable to Local Workforce rent limits
- Supportive Housing Standards
- Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIB) income limits for senior housing
- Low and Moderate Income Rental program (LMIR) income limits
Important Reminders
- Owners must get approval for rent increases on properties with a Minnesota Housing amortizing first mortgage. If you have questions, contact your assigned Minnesota Housing asset manager.
- Owners are not required to charge the maximum rent allowed or to increase rents based solely on the publication of updated rent limits.
- Please note that the limits in several counties decreased from FY2025.
Questions? Contact Kate Norman at 651.539.9765 or kate.norman@state.mn.us.
Federal News
Risk-Based “Short” Survey Pilot Brings Shorter Review Option for Nursing Homes
On June 4, 2026 by Mark Schulz
CMS continues to test a risk-based survey process known as a “short survey” for select nursing homes that meet higher-quality indicators. The shorter survey approach is intended to focus survey resources while still protecting resident health and safety. The short survey still meets CMS requirements for the standard survey cycle.
What CMS is Testing
In April 2024, CMS shared more details about the risk-based process stating that it may apply to nursing homes that consistently show higher-quality performance. Examples may include fewer citations, no recent harm or abuse citations, no pending immediate jeopardy investigations, higher staffing, fewer hospitalizations and compliance with staffing and data reporting requirements.
Minnesota was selected to participate in the initial risk-based survey pilot for nursing home standard recertification surveys. The early phase of testing helped CMS and state survey agencies evaluate whether a shorter, more focused review could still assess compliance with federal health and safety requirements.
In its most recent mission and priorities materials, CMS said it continues to test the risk-based survey approach and will identify next steps after testing is complete. Minnesota’s recent member experiences with the risk-based survey suggest the evaluation of the short survey is in an active phase of testing in the state with members early feedback being very positive.
Standard Survey Requirement
The short survey is not a complaint survey or an optional review. It is conducted as the facility’s standard recertification survey but only under the CMS risk-based survey process. That means the short survey satisfies the federal requirement that each nursing facility receive a standard survey no later than 15 months after the last standard survey. If surveyors identify concerns during the short survey, their review can expand into a typical standard survey. Members should continue to treat the process as a standard survey and remain prepared for a broader review if findings warrant it.
MDH Information
During the most recent Minnesota Department of Health meeting, MDH reported that for the period between Jan. 1 and May 2026, 16 short surveys had been conducted in Minnesota. Of those, eight were deficiency free, with the remaining having minimal deficiencies or at very low levels. Members who interacted with MDH surveyors during the process reported a very positive and pleasant experience. The day after the MDH meeting, another member shared that they also received a short survey and reported the same positive experience.
What this Means for Members
LeadingAge Minnesota will continue to monitor CMS and MDH updates on the risk-based survey process. Nursing home members should continue to focus on survey readiness, strong documentation, quality outcomes and compliance with current federal and state requirements.
Guidance Related to Emotional Support Animals Updated by HUD
On June 4, 2026 by Shelli Bakken
In a May 22 internal memo, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that the agency is reassessing its guidance for reasonable accommodations requests for assistance animals.
The memo states: “Effective immediately, for all complaints related to animal-related reasonable accommodations, FHEO will find reasonable cause and recommend charges only for those cases involving animals trained to provide disability-related assistance.” The guidance impacts Fair Housing Act protections for tenants with certain kinds of assistance animals.
For example, an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) provides therapeutic comfort to individuals with mental or emotional disabilities simply by being present. ESAs differ from service animals, which are dogs individually trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability.
New Guidance
Under HUD’s previous guidance on assistance animals, tenants could have an ESA if they could provide medical documentation supporting their need for the animal. It was not necessary for the animal to be trained to perform specific therapeutic tasks. Under the new guidance, HUD will not seek fair housing-related charges against housing providers that do not allow ESAs. Per the memo, “while requests to waive pet policies for animals trained to perform specific disability-related services are presumptively reasonable, requests to waive pet policies for untrained ESAs are not.”
Additionally, FHEO will no longer expect housing providers to categorically extend accommodations for trained assistance animals to untrained ESAs.
What this Means for Providers
Minnesota providers of independent senior housing, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities are likely familiar with the steps to process requests for disability-related accommodations. It is important to be aware that the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits disability discrimination, and specifically allows for both service animals and emotional support animals.
For this reason, members are encouraged to continue with your current policies and guidance around handling requests for accommodations to your community policies related to animals. LeadingAge Minnesota will continue to monitor this evolving guidance and update resources for our members as more information becomes available.
If you have questions and need assistance, contact Shelli Bakken, Director of Housing Policy and Expert Support.
Notable News
Leadership Academy Launches 2026 Cohort
On June 4, 2026 by Barbara Landeen
The 2026 LeadingAge Minnesota Leadership Academy officially launched in May with a two-day session focused on Authentic Leadership — setting the stage for a year of reflection, growth, and connection.
46 participants from across Minnesota’s aging services field explored concepts including strengths-based leadership, appreciative inquiry, reflective practice, vulnerability, and Kaizen, or “continuous self-development.” Through journaling, walk-and-talk conversations, storytelling, and CliftonStrengths activities, participants reflected on the experiences, values, and strengths that shape them as leaders.
A highlight of the session was a leadership conversation with LeadingAge Minnesota President & CEO, Kari Thurlow, who shared insights on authentic leadership, personal growth, and leading with purpose. Participants described her session as meaningful, inspiring, and thought-provoking.
A central message throughout the session was that leadership is not about becoming someone else — it is about becoming more fully who you already are, on purpose. Participants explored how understanding their own strengths, as well as the strengths of others, helps create stronger teams and more authentic leadership.
The session also created an immediate sense of connection and trust among the cohort. One participant shared:
“It is so very powerful to sit in a room of people who have the same passion to serve the aging population and advocate for good.”
Another wrote:
“Leadership Academy has already been such an eye-opening opportunity.”
And perhaps most simply:
“I belong here.”
This first session established a strong foundation for the year ahead — rooted in authenticity, reflection, and leadership growth. Leadership Academy includes four, two-day workshops and runs through November 2026.
View the 2026 participants and coaches here.
Aug. 4 Foundation Golf Tournament Sold Out - But You Can Still Make an Impact!
On June 4, 2026 by Barbara Landeen
The 13th Annual LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Golf Tournament on August 4 is officially sold out! Thank you to everyone who registered to help support the Foundation's scholarship program, which empowers aging services professionals to pursue education, build new skills, and advance their careers.
Didn't get a golf spot? Don’t golf? There are still plenty of ways to participate and support this important cause:
- Join us for lunch and/or happy hour and connect with colleagues and industry partners.
- Buy Split the Pot tickets for a chance to win big—just $10 each.
- Enter our conference raffle for a chance to win registration to the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Philadelphia (a $1,150 value). Tickets are $20 each, and only 100 will be sold.
- Sponsor a hole flag for $300 and showcase your organization's support.
- Donate wine, spirits, or other beverages for our popular Ring Toss fundraising game.
- Make a tax-deductible donation to the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation.
If you’re interested in golfing if a spot opens up, we'd be happy to add you to the waitlist.
To join the waitlist or learn more about participating, contact Jenny Prosser at foundation@leadingagemn.org or 651-603-3548.
Even if you're not swinging a club, you can still help drive opportunities for the aging services workforce of tomorrow.
Member News
HJ Sims Expands Midwest Presence with Addition of Greg Ellingson as Vice President
On June 4, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
HJ Sims is pleased to announce the hiring of Greg Ellingson as a Vice President on its not-for-profit senior living investment banking team. Based in Des Moines, Greg will support the firm's continued Midwest growth through business development and client engagement, reinforcing HJ Sims’ commitment to serving mission-driven organizations across the region.
Greg brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by his experience supporting financial strategy and execution for non-profit organizations. His background spans development, operations, and ownership structures within the senior living sector, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of its evolving capital needs.
A native of Iowa, Greg grew up in Pella and has lived in Des Moines for nearly a decade. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics from Central College, where he also served as student body president and interned in the British Parliament. He later received a Master's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School, along with a certificate in Municipal Finance.
Greg began his career in public finance at Stifel in Denver, supporting municipal bond transactions for state agencies and local governments. After returning to Iowa, he applied his expertise within the nonprofit sector, leading financial and data initiatives for a major health system and regional transit agency.
He later joined LCS, a leading senior living operator, where he led financial feasibility analysis for development projects nationwide before transitioning to the real estate team. In that role, he managed bank financings and relationships with lenders and equity partners, executing more than $500 million in financings. This experience reinforced his collaborative, long-term approach to navigating complex capital structures.
"I'm drawn to HJ Sims because of the opportunity to support organizations during critical moments of growth and transformation," said Ellingson. "When capital is structured effectively, it allows operators to focus fully on their mission of care."
Lynn Daly, Co-Head of the not-for-profit senior living team, added, "Greg's blend of investment banking experience and senior living expertise makes him a valuable addition as we continue to expand in the Midwest."
Aaron Rulnick, Managing Principal and Head of Investment Banking, noted, "Greg's unique background aligns with our strategic growth and our commitment to delivering strong outcomes for our clients in the Midwest."
About HJ Sims
Founded in 1935, HJ Sims is a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm. The firm is a longstanding leader in underwriting tax-exempt bonds, with deep expertise in the senior living sector, having provided more than $34 billion in financing nationwide.
Education Solutions
Strengthen Your MDS Practice with In-Person Training
On June 4, 2026 by Sharon Hollister
Accurate MDS practice is essential to quality care, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement success. LeadingAge Minnesota is offering two in-person MDS training opportunities designed to support both experienced professionals and those new to the MDS role.
The first workshop, MDS, Five-Star, QRP, and VBP—From Data to Performance, will be held on July 16. Designed for Directors of Nursing, MDS Coordinators, Administrators, and clinical leaders, this one-day program focuses on the connection between MDS coding and organizational performance. Participants will learn how MDS accuracy impacts Five-Star ratings, Quality Reporting Program (QRP) outcomes, Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) results, and reimbursement. The session also explores strategies to identify documentation gaps, strengthen Section GG accuracy, and implement audit-ready practices.
Building Foundations
For those newer to MDS, Foundations for New MDS Professionals will be offered November 12–13. This two-day intensive workshop provides a strong foundation in MDS completion, care area assessments, care planning requirements, OBRA and PPS scheduling, Medicare coverage criteria, and PDPM fundamentals. Participants will gain practical knowledge and confidence to support accurate, compliant MDS practices.
Both workshops will be presented by Marilyn Ramirez, MSN, RN, RAC-CTA, WCC, Executive Vice President of MDS Solutions, and will be held at the Minnesota Humanities Center in St. Paul.
Whether your goal is to improve quality outcomes, strengthen compliance, or support reimbursement accuracy, these workshops provide practical education that can be applied immediately.
- Location: Minnesota Humanities Center, St. Paul
- One-Day Workshop: July 16, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Two-Day Intensive Workshop: November 12–13, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Learn more and register to reserve your spot today.
Questions? Contact Olivia Scott, Events and Education Coordinator at education@leadingagemn.org.