Stimulus checks of patients do not belong to nursing homes.

Did your loved one qualify for a stimulus check?

Does this loved one also live in a nursing home paid for through Medicaid?

Has the nursing home required the stimulus check to be signed over as a “resource”?

According to a recent CBS Local New York article titled “FTC: Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities Cannot Take Stimulus Money From Medicaid Patients,” this has been happening to families across the nation.

Stimulus checks are not “resources” under Medicaid.

Does this mean it is true?

No.

The Federal Trade Commissions says any claim by assisted living facilities and nursing homes is false.

The COVID-19 stimulus checks are exempt from classification as a “resource” to be paid for services under rules governing federal benefit programs.

Why?

According to the CARES Act, the stimulus payments are classified as a tax credit.

Tax credits do not count as "resources" under the rules governing Medicaid or other federal benefits programs.

What can you do to correct the situation?

If your loved one lives in a nursing home and assisted living facility and is supported through Medicaid, check in with them.

Ask if they have received this demand for their stimulus check.

If they have, file a complaint with the state attorney general.

You can also file a consumer complaint online or by calling the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

Reference: CBS Local New York (May 19, 2020) “FTC: Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities Cannot Take Stimulus Money From Medicaid Patients”