The program, called Nurses for Nursing Homes, is expected to support more than 4,000 nurses nationwide. Announced ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, it combines federal and state funding to recruit and retain nursing staff in long-term care facilities where qualified workers are difficult to find.
How the $50,000 Nursing Incentive Program Works
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), eligible nurses can receive up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and a $10,000 stipend. In return, participants must commit to three years of employment at a qualifying nursing home and work an average of at least 30 hours per week.
The initiative includes all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has committed $100 million, while participating states have pledged at least another $175 million. Funding comes from civil monetary penalties collected from nursing homes by federal and state authorities.
Applicants must hold an active registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) license when they begin qualifying employment. Nursing students may open an application account before graduation, but they must obtain their license and secure an eligible position before receiving benefits.
According to the CMS program’s frequently asked questions, nurses with qualifying student loan debt may receive both forms of assistance. Those without eligible debt must have graduated within the previous two years to qualify for the $10,000 stipend. Payments are distributed quarterly after employment hours are verified. The payments are taxable, and recipients are responsible for reporting them and paying any applicable taxes.
Another restriction concerns previous employment. Applicants generally cannot have worked in a nursing home during the 60 days before opening an application account. A temporary exception covers nurses who began qualifying employment between July 28 and October 25, 2026. Applications opened October 26 and will be accepted throughout 2026 and 2027, subject to available state funding.
Nursing Home Staffing Takes Center Stage Before Midterm Elections
The initiative focuses on facilities in rural communities and other locations experiencing nursing shortages. All rural nursing homes qualify, along with selected facilities in higher-need areas. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the program would “recruit and retain thousands of nurses, expand care in rural and high-need communities, and create new pathways into long-term care careers.”
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz emphasized the connection between staffing and the care received by nursing home residents, describing the initiative as financial assistance for nurses pursuing long-term care careers.
According to The Independent, Trump promoted the initiative on Truth Social shortly before the midterm elections, describing it as a major investment in nurses and older Americans. The announcement follows Trump’s appearance at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, where he presented the funding as support for seniors and elder-care facilities.
The political backdrop extends beyond nursing workforce recruitment. Senate Democrats, led by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, have called for broader changes to long-term care, including universal coverage for Americans with different care needs.
