President Donald Trump said Monday that a federal-state initiative worth more than $250 million would offer financial incentives to strengthen nursing-home staffing in rural communities and understaffed facilities.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined the benefits Friday. The three-year commitment applies to a nursing home in a rural location or an area facing greater labor shortages, with eligible nurses able to receive up to $40,000 toward student loans, a $10,000 stipend or both.
Receiving both benefits would bring the assistance to $50,000, but the maximum is not automatic because nurses may qualify for one benefit or both. The program requires a three-year placement at a qualifying nursing home. Trump described eligible work as being in rural communities or understaffed facilities, while HHS specified a rural nursing home or one in an area with higher labor shortages.
Trump called the support grants of up to $50,000. Late Monday on Truth Social, Trump credited governors and his own intervention with expanding a fund he said had previously stood at roughly one-third of its current level. He said the plan would benefit thousands of nurses and nursing students across the United States, including people serving rural communities.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the agency Trump identified as running the initiative. HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said the effort would increase access to nursing-home care in rural and other high-need areas and make entry into long-term care work more attainable. CMS Administrator Dr Mehmet Oz said the program was intended to help families arranging nursing-home services for a relative.
The Independent reported that Trump had held rallies around the country over the previous two weeks to encourage turnout. The outlet said older and rural voters could be influential in next week’s midterm elections.
