SAINT PAUL – Leaders of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa and the Long-Term Care Imperative applaud the passage of the legislative agreement that includes funding for Nursing Facility Wage Increase Back Pay with bipartisan support.

The wage increase back pay provision was included in the final agreement at the end of the 2026 legislative session and will provide one-time direct payments to nursing home workers. The wage increases were originally set to take effect January 1, 2026, but implementation remains delayed pending federal approval.

This is due to the fact that the Minnesota Department of Human Services was late in submitting the required state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, the Federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies, after waiting three months, replied to the Minnesota request with questions that further delayed approval.

The agreement helps recognize and support nursing home workers during a period of continued uncertainty around implementation of the state’s nursing facility wage increase. As included in the final agreement, the Wage Supplement bill provides payments of $400 to workers who have not been paid the nursing home minimum wage due to take effect January 1, 2026 and up to $200 for all other nursing home workers. The checks will come from the state of Minnesota to eligible workers who apply and who worked a minimum amount of hours in 2026. Details on how workers receive the payments will be shared in the coming weeks through various channels.

“We appreciate the bipartisan work that led to this agreement and the recognition of the challenges nursing home workers and providers have faced throughout this process. While this is a temporary solution, these payments will provide meaningful support for caregivers across Minnesota while implementation issues continue to be resolved,” said Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota.

Dr. Rasha Ahmad Sharif, Executive Vice-President with SEIU Healthcare MN & IA and Director of the nursing home sector, shared why this bonus is important to help recognize the amazing work nursing home workers do every day:

“We are relieved that nursing home workers are getting this bonus. We know in every corner of the state workers make endless sacrifices to support residents, which is why we are so committed to improving standards for their work. While this deal barely scratches the surface of what our workers deserve, it is a step closer in that direction and it is a long time coming to get money in the pockets of these essential workers.”

“This agreement provides important short-term relief for nursing home workers while the state continues navigating delays in the federal approval process. It is a reminder of the essential role the legislature plays in ensuring our caregivers receive higher wages. Our caregivers deserve recognition for the essential work they do every day caring for Minnesota seniors. We appreciate lawmakers providing some stability for providers and staff during an incredibly challenging time for long-term care," said Toby Pearson, President and CEO of Care Providers of Minnesota.

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About the Long-Term Care Imperative: The Long-Term Care Imperative (LTCI) is a partnership of Minnesota’s two senior care associations: Care Providers of Minnesota and LeadingAge Minnesota. LTCI members employ 80,000 professional caregivers in Minnesota, meeting the needs of seniors in all the places they call home.

About SEIU Healthcare MN & IA: SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa unites nearly 50,000 healthcare and long-term care workers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care throughout Minnesota and Iowa.