Money Talks

From our experts at New Perspectives:

We've been presented with questions and concerns surrounding stimulus payments for residents of Medicaid-funded skilled nursing facilities (a.k.a “nursing homes”). Will they get a check? Will they actually get to KEEP the money? Will a stimulus payment affect their Medicaid eligibility status? Hopefully we can offer a bit of clarity.

While these residents are normally required to surrender most all their income, the stimulus payment will be an exception. Below is a link to an article that addresses this succinctly, with the key takeaways being:

• Residents of these facilities should receive a stimulus payment.
• The facility cannot take the funds to offset a bill or for any other reason.
• The funds will NOT be treated as income for purposes of Medicaid eligibility and will not force anyone out of their current eligibility status.
• The funds need to be spent within 12 months, so they are not counted as an asset which could impact eligibility for next year.

Now may be the time for residents to purchase new clothes or a new TV for their room. The American Council on Aging also suggests using the funds for an irrevocable funeral trust to help prepay burial expenses. Residents may use the money at their discretion but should avoid buying anything that would count as an asset under Medicaid regulations, e.g.- U.S. Savings Bonds or collectors coins.

Read the full article here:

https://www.nbc-2.com/story/42029916/fact-check-will-nursing-home-residents-not-get-their-stimulus-checks