Medicaid SNF Residents May be Eligible for IRS Economic Stimulus Payment

SNFs may be able to help in providing additional monies to residents under the Economic Stimulus Package. The Cleveland Plain Dealer (www.cleveland.com) reported on April 23, 2008 that Medicaid residents in SNF settings may be eligible for payments of $300 as part of the Stimulus Package approved by Congress.  John Saulitis of the Long Term Care Ombudsman program has researched this with IRS in helping to educate providers and caregivers about the process. The normal deadline of April 15th for tax filing does not apply.  Applicants have until October 15th to submit a claim for Stimulus Package rebates.  Nursing Home residents do not have to file taxes in order to be eligible for Stimulus package rebates. However, those that do file do not need to take any additional action; they are already eligible to receive the rebates.

The deadline of  October 15th, 2008  presents an excellent opportunity for facilities to assist residents in obtaining rebates.  The Activity, Social Service and Volunteer Departments may be able to schedule this as part of their programming throughout the summer.  Facility administration can educate family members via facility newsletters, family nights and websites about the process and even provide the blank 1040A forms for applicants.  The Stimulus Package rebates may provide the monies for residents to purchase needed personal items or participate in outings or other social events at the facility.

Less than five minutes per resident is all that it takes to complete the application process. As long as the resident’s income for 2007 was more than $3,000 then he or she may be eligible to receive the stimulus payment. Applicants must complete a Form 1040A and do not need a W-2 or 1099. The words “Stimulus Package” must be written across the top of the form and mailed to the local IRS tax filing location for the nursing home address. Visit www.irs.gov  and click on Economic Stimulus Payment Information for 1040A forms and instructions and eligibility requirements.