“The administration is launching a new $275 million initiative to recruit and retain nurses in nursing homes.”

On October 23, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the launch of the 'Nurses for Nursing Homes' initiative. This program is a $275 million effort aimed at recruiting and retaining nurses in long-term care facilities. The funding structure involves $100 million committed by CMS and at least $175 million committed by states, sourced from civil monetary penalties collected from nursing homes. The initiative offers eligible registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), as well as nursing students, up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and/or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for a three-year work commitment in qualifying facilities, which are primarily located in rural or high-labor-shortage areas. The program is expected to support over 4,000 nurses nationwide.