The Minnesota Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) Advisory Council continues its work to develop recommendations to the Legislature aimed at reducing cost growth, improving system efficiency, and strengthening outcomes for Minnesotans who rely on long-term care and disability services. Established in October 2025, the Council is required to deliver recommendations by December 1, 2026, identifying approximately $178 million in savings for the 2028–2029 biennium.
Since the start of 2026, the Council has moved through a structured process of financial analysis, stakeholder engagement, and recommendation development. Workgroups focused on eligibility, services, and provider rates have been actively evaluating policy options, supported by data and research from DHS and Public Consulting Group. The work has now entered a critical phase, with some possible recommendations drafted and Council members preparing for formal review and recommendation selection votes later this summer.
This work is unfolding in the context of a challenging legislative environment. The 2026 Minnesota legislative session concluded with approximately $300 million in human services spending reductions. Notably, none of these reductions were applied toward the Advisory Council’s required $178 million savings target.
This dynamic has created significant concern among Council members. During recent workgroup and full Council discussions, both county and provider representatives expressed frustration that substantial cuts have already been enacted outside of the Council’s process, yet the full savings target remains unchanged. Many participants noted that the system is already under strain and emphasized that further reductions—particularly to provider rates—will be difficult to support without jeopardizing access and service stability.
At the June Council and workgroup meetings, members began advancing recommendations and preparing for upcoming votes. Discussions reflected a growing tension between meeting the required savings target and maintaining a sustainable system for people receiving services and the workforce that supports them.
Looking ahead, the Council’s timeline is accelerating:
- August 2026: Council votes to select priority recommendations for inclusion in the legislative report
- October 2026: Finalization of report content
- December 2026: Submission and presentation of final recommendations to the Legislature
The decisions made over the next several months will have significant implications for providers, counties, and the people who rely on LTSS. MOHR will continue to closely monitor developments, advocate for sustainable solutions, and keep members informed as this work progresses.
For more information about the Council and its meetings, go to Long-Term Services and Supports Advisory Council / Minnesota Department of Human Services
