Elderly waiver rates and nursing facility reimbursement rates modification

This bill modifies how Minnesota calculates reimbursement rates for nursing facilities serving elderly residents. It introduces a "known cost change factor" based on recent minimum wage increases for nursing home workers, which facilities must apply when calculating their direct care costs, other care-related costs, and operating costs. These updated calculations will affect all nursing facilities receiving state reimbursement, directly impacting their funding levels. The changes apply retroactively starting January 1, 2027, and require federal approval for implementation. The bill focuses on aligning reimbursement with actual wage-related cost changes in the sector.