Want a Quick Way to Help a Medicaid Resident in a Nursing Home?

Dan Frith

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Do you have a relative or friend in a nursing home and on Medicaid?  If so, a few minutes of your time could do him or her a world of good.

I'm talking about the federal tax refund (also called the federal economic stimulus rebate).  All you need is a pen and Internal Revenue Service form 1040A.  Fill out a few lines and your relative will get $300 in spending money.

Start by asking the nursing home resident if he or she filed a tax form this year. If the answer is yes, you don't have to do anything. The taxpayer will automatically get the rebate. If the answer is no, ask if he or she made more than $3,000 in 2007 in Social Security retirement or disability, veterans benefits, a railroad pension, or any wages. (Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, and private pensions don't count as income in this case.)

If yes, pick up a form 1040A (not a 1040EZ) -- or print one off the Internet (pdf) -- and go for a visit.

If you have the time...take that resident to the local shopping center and let them buy something just for themselves!  They deserve it!