|
|
|
|
|
Index: Pages/ Home, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We have all heard of the federal government's Economic Stimulus Plan for this year, where many citizens will receive a stimulus check from the US Government. The amount of the check will vary.
Many residents of your facility are likely to be eligible for these dollars, including those who are on the Medicaid program. We are asking that each nursing facility assist all eligible resident with filling out the required tax form and sending the tax form in to the IRS.
There is a special provision in the Economic Stimulus Payment Plan for individuals on the lower end of the income scale. Social Security income (retirement or disability), some Railroad Retirement, and Veterans Benefits, as long as the total for 2007 was $3,000 or more. (Unfortunately, recipients of only SSI income are not eligible).
Medicaid Program participants have only $40 per month to meet all of their personal needs, and $300 additional dollars would mean a lot to this population (I have attached a copy of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Office of Family Stability Letter #69). This communication indicates that Economic Stimulus Payments "will not count toward or negatively impact any other income-based government benefits, such as Social security benefits, food stamps and other programs."
The following IRS web-site provides a great deal of information and connects to specific instructions for individuals who may not have had any need to file a tax return. Visit httv://www.irs.gov/irs/article/O..id=179182.00.html.
The next question is "What should nursing homes do?" We would like to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
see our area's nursing homes go beyond simply notifying families and legal representatives of residents of the residents' need to file a 2007 tax return in order to get the stimulus funds.
We are asking that each nursing home coordinate an effort to ensure that every eligible resident has a tax return filed, and that nursing home staff assist every resident with filling out the necessary forms.
The nursing home will have ready access to much of the information needed for the filing, especially if the nursing facility is the representative payee for the resident. The home will have the necessary information about powers of attorney and legal representatives if a signature is required for the form.
If the nursing facility takes responsibility for internally coordinating the activity, it will better ensure that all eligible residents receive the stimulus money.
A $300 stimulus payment will mean more to a nursing home resident than stimulus payments to other populations. As you know, the State Legislature has not increased the Personal Needs Allowance, currently at $40/month, for 10 years. $300 could mean new clothing, additional outings into the community, a magazine subscription, perhaps a phone in the room, things that many of us take for granted.
It will take some additional staff time, but it would be time very well spent for residents of the home. Our Ombudsman staff and volunteers are willing to assist in any way possible and are currently investigating other possible resources that may be available to assist with this endeavor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
