The State of Minnesota sets the rates for all who receive care in nursing homes. In assisted living care communities, low-income seniors can use Medicaid dollars through a state program for Elderly Waiver. In both cases, the rates set by the State do not cover the total cost of care, including competitive wages for professional caregivers.
We are working with state legislators to increase funding for nursing home reimbursements and Elderly Waiver. Senior care providers are currently unable to recruit and retain the caregivers needed to provide Minnesota seniors with the care they need.
In October 2022, more than 11,000 admissions were denied from nursing homes and assisted living communities in Minnesota due to staffing shortage according to a survey conducted by the Long-Term Care Imperative.
During the week of January 29, 2023, the House Human Services Finance Committee heard House File 733, a bill that would facilitate raising wages for professional caregivers in aging services. If passed, this legislation will provide a rate increase for nursing homes to raise caregiver wages and much more.
How can you help? Write to your legislators about the importance of these bills [House File 733 and Senate File 780.] Below is a sample email. Please modify as you see appropriate. You’ll also see information how to contact your legislators.
Email Sample:: Aging Services Workers Need Your Support
Dear (Specific Name),
I know you receive many communications so I will be brief. I have a loved one who currently resides at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine. We have been blessed to meet the individuals who care for our family members, but we have seen the impact of the staffing shortages impact firsthand.
Since you set the Medicaid rates for aging services, we need your help to solve the crisis. HF 733 and SF 780 will support seniors and their caregivers by updating the reimbursement rates for assisted living and nursing homes to cover the cost of care. This would allow for an increase in wages for caregivers and improved access to care for seniors.
Please support HF 733 and SF 780 and ask your colleagues to do the same. We cannot solve the crisis facing aging services without you. Thank you.
Contact Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.