04/30/2026

CMS Highlights Loan Repayment, Stipend Opportunity for Nursing Home Nurses

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is promoting a new nursing home workforce incentive that could help recruit and retain licensed nurses in long-term care. On its Nursing Home Careers page, CMS says qualified registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed vocational nurses may receive up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and up to $10,000 as an incentive stipend tied to a three-year commitment in a qualifying nursing home or state inspection agency. CMS also says nurses must hold an active license in good standing and work an average of 30 or more hours per week per quarter to qualify.

CMS says applications are expected to open in the coming months, not immediately, and is encouraging interested nurses to sign up for updates now. Additional program details, including eligibility and the application process, will be released as the program launch moves closer. For providers, the announcement is another sign that CMS continues to connect staffing policy with care quality in nursing homes.