Overview
- HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the program on Friday and said applications open Oct. 26 at NursesforNursingHomes.cms.gov.
- The initiative pools $100 million from CMS and at least $175 million from states for a $275 million total and is paid for using civil monetary penalties collected from nursing homes.
- Qualified nurses and nursing students can receive up to $40,000 in student-loan repayment or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for a three-year commitment working an average of at least 30 hours per week at a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing home.
- The program is available in all 50 states and D.C., prioritizes rural and high-labor-shortage facilities, and includes a 90-day retroactive window for nurses who began eligible work between July 28 and Oct. 25.
- Officials estimate the program will support more than 4,000 nurses and say the policy could ease staffing shortages, reduce nurse debt burdens, and help residents form more stable care relationships.