Minnesota's Nursing Home Wage Floor Delayed Again Amid Federal Review

Mon Apr 13 2026 03:42:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The implementation of a minimum wage for nursing home workers in Minnesota faces another setback as the Trump administration restarts its review process, leaving employees in limbo.

Minnesota nursing home workers set to receive a minimum wage increase to $19 this year have faced another delay due to the Trump administration's decision to restart the 90-day review for the wage floor. The wage statute awaits federal approval, exacerbated by a lawsuit from the industry against the workforce standards board. This raises concerns about the future of wage increases for thousands of nursing home employees in the state.

The much-anticipated minimum wage increase for nursing home workers in Minnesota has been delayed yet again. During a recent meeting, Leah Solo, the executive director of the state’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, revealed that the Trump administration has reset its 90-day review period for the wage floor, leaving many in the industry wondering about their financial future.

According to the state law, nursing facility employees are expected to earn at least $19 per hour this year, rising to $20.50 in 2027. Those with nursing licenses are set to receive higher wages. However, with the recent federal review extension, these salary increases remain uncertain.

This marks the second major delay regarding the wage floor, which was originally scheduled to take effect on January 1. The workforce board is currently facing a lawsuit from nursing homes aiming to have it eliminated, further complicating the situation.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must approve the funding request related to the wage adjustments, which includes contributions from both state and federal sources totaling $36 million. Currently, CMS has 90 days to review this request, but it can extend the timeline by asking for additional information.

On Wednesday, CMS requested more details just one day before the end of the review period, effectively starting the evaluation over. As a result, Solo has expressed frustration about the lack of clarity regarding what CMS requires from state officials.

The wage floor initiative represents a bold effort by Minnesota, making it the first state to specifically address the nursing home sector's workforce issues under federal Medicaid law. Nevertheless, the nursing home industry has expressed strong opposition to the newly established workforce board, claiming it harms providers and partners across the state.

Amid the ongoing legal battles and bureaucratic hurdles, the future of wages for Minnesota's nursing home workers hangs in the balance as they await the outcome of district court hearings scheduled for next month.