The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning for patients of nursing homes and assisted living facilities: Do not give your stimulus check to a long-term care facility.
The FTC’s warning comes as multiple people are reporting that their nursing home, assisted living, or other long-term care facilities are telling their residents that under the rules of federal benefit programs, the stimulus checks are considered to be “resources.” They are bullying residents into signing their checks over to them to be used to pay for their services. However, this is not the case.
The FTC asks that anyone who has a loved one in a long-term care facility notify them not to sign over their stimulus check. Under the CARES Act, stimulus checks do not count as “resources” for federal benefit programs, such as Medicaid. Instead, they count as a tax credit.
Individuals who have been asked to sign over their stimulus check to their long-term care facility under the guise of it being a “resource” should notify the state attorney and to file a complaint.
Additionally, to file a complaint online, you can go to the FTC website or by calling 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).
Henson Fuerst is Here for You
The nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Henson Fuerst remain fully committed to protecting the rights of our elderly and helping those impacted by COVID-19 in any way that we can. If a loved one’s nursing home or care facility is attempting to take advantage of its residents during this unprecedented time, those responsible should be held fully accountable. You can take action by contacting us through our website or via telephone at 919-781-1107.
We are in this together and wish you and your loved ones health and safety during this challenging time.