Western Wayne Today

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants to ensure that federal stimulus payments are being properly handled for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“If someone qualifies for a stimulus payment, it is theirs to keep and is not owed to the care facility where they live,” Nessel said in a post on Michigan.gov. “If someone suspects they are being coerced into signing over their payment, I urge you to report it to my office. We are committed to protecting Michigan’s vulnerable population and will thoroughly review any complaints we receive for wrongdoing and pursue additional legal action if warranted.”

Residents in some care facilities were forced to sign over their money to the facility where they reside during the first round of stimulus payments, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This happened particularly to residents on Medicaid, according to Michigan.gov.

Nessel is cautioning care facility operators and their residents that these stimulus payments are meant for the person named on the check. If anyone suspects a long-term care facility of engaging in this illegal activity, they can contact Nessel's office, either the Financial Crimes Division or the Health Care Fraud Division.