On May 18, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a consumer alert for individuals with loved ones residing in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, some facility operators are seizing the stimulus payments of residents on Medicaid and justifying the seizure by claiming the facility, not the individual, is entitled to the federal benefit.

“As we have seen throughout this crisis, residents in these facilities are at a higher risk of suffering and dying from COVID-19 – they should not have to carry the additional burden of worrying about their stimulus money being taken by those entrusted with their care.”

“The federal government allocated these funds to individuals during these unprecedented times,” Moody said.

“Please check on your loved ones living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities,” Moody added.