March 2026
Staying informed helps older adults remain active voices in our communities. This month’s update includes important conversations about health care reform, housing stability, and civic engagement opportunities for seniors across Minnesota.
🏘️Policy Progress, Rural Outreach & Housing Support – Spring 2026
Across Minnesota, important work continues to improve health care, strengthen housing stability, and expand outreach to older adults in rural communities.
All Elders for Justice supports policy changes to create a more patient-centered health care system.
The proposed changes aim to:
Reduce unnecessary costs
Decrease unjust denial of services
Improve access to care
Shift focus back to patients rather than managed care organizations (MCOs)
These reforms could save the state approximately $1 billion each year which would benefit seniors and residents in the state. We will also have a collaborative working relationship with Health Care for All Minnesota (HCA-MN) to help advance a patient-centered care system for all Minnesotans.
All Elders will continue to monitor related legislation currently under review which include:
🛜Expanding connections with older adults in Greater Minnesota remains a priority.
All Elders is exploring partnerships with senior employment programs such as the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This program helps older adults gain paid work experience and job training while serving local communities. We are also exploring the possibility of engaging two to three funded senior workers to provide organizational support and looking at securing interns to assist with temporary program support and outreach efforts.
⚕️Medigap Penalty Repeal
The Care Giving Committee is continuing to monitor the progress of the Medigap Penalty Repeal and will have an update in April.
The Care Giving Committee is also following:
These bills focus on oversight of private equity acquisitions of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Advocates have raised concerns that private equity ownership can prioritize profits over quality care and affordability
🏘️Housing Support for Minnesota Families
Housing stability remains an important issue for many older adults and families.
Earlier this session, the Minnesota Senate approved:
Emergency Rental Assistance
SF3596 – $40 million from the Tyler Fund for emergency rental assistance.
Homeless Prevention Funding
SF3614 – $35 million for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP).
These investments are expected to help stabilize housing for thousands of Minnesota families.
Affordable housing, access to quality care, and employment opportunities all play a major role in healthy aging. Strong public policy can help older adults remain independent, secure, and connected to their communities.
🤳Stay Engaged
Community advocacy plays an important role in shaping policies that affect older adults. Whether it’s learning about health care reforms, supporting housing stability, or helping with voter registration, every voice makes a difference.
If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more, please reach out to your local advocacy groups or community organizations.
Together, we can continue building a stronger and healthier Minnesota for older adults.
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