CMS and States Launch $275 Million Initiative to Recruit and Retain Nurses in Nursing Homes

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Oct 23, 2026

Announces a new initiative to support recruiting and retaining nurses for rural and higher labor shortage area nursing homes through loan repayment and stipends in exchange for 3 years of employment in qualified facilities. Describes eligibility guidelines for nurses interested in the program.

Health workforce supply and demand · Healthcare facilities · Loans, loan repayment, and loan forgiveness for health careers · Long-term care · Nurses · Recruitment and retention of health professionals