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Before You Reach for the Trash Can...

If you’re the typical 5. All insurance policies


Floridian who’s downsized and insurance cards for
his residence, you’ve prob- life, accident, health.
ably faced the challenge of 6. Copies of guardianship
figuring out what to keep or power of attorney pa-
and what to throw away. pers.
Often, visiting kids and 7. Copy of last Will and
grandkids may pressure copy of Trust, if applica-
you to just get rid of every- ble.
thing. They may even of- 8. Income tax returns for
fer to take a break from the last three years; if there
sunning on the beach so
Joseph S. Karp, is a Trust, for the last five
C.E.L.A.
they can go through your years.
stuff for you. 9. Car registration or title, and au-
As the son of an incorrigible pack tomobile insurance policy or proof of
rat, I know all about clutter. I know insurance card.
your relatives are well-meaning, for 10. Copy of deed for any property
I, too, have suggested mom get rid of owned, including homestead and most
excess “stuff.” But as an attorney, I recent property tax bill.
know that there are some items you 11. If any real property has been sold
really must hold onto (provided you or transferred in the last 3 years you
can find them first!). These are the will need: (a) Copies of all transac-
items you’ll need if you or your spouse tional papers; (b) Two verifications
ever have to apply for Medicaid for of fair market value, which may be
long-term nursing care. Applying is an appraisal or a letter from a realtor;
a mind-boggling, time-consuming bu- (c) Property tax bill reflecting prop-
reaucratic process. Most people are erty’s value at time of sale.
astonished at the extent and specifici- 12. Burial arrangements. Copies of
ty of documentation they must sub- any purchase receipt or agreements
mit. So, before you reach for your or any prepaid funeral contracts and/or
trash can (or let your son or daughter cemetery or mausoleum plots, etc.
reach for it), make sure you’ve locat- 13. Verification of all active savings
ed these important documents, and accounts, checking accounts, CDs,
put them in a safe place. These items stocks, bonds, IRAs, annuities, etc.
must be submitted for the husband Statements are needed for the past 36
and wife, even if only one spouse is months. If assets are in a Trust, state-
the applicant. Note also that this is a ments are needed for the past five
general list, and a partial list, to give years.
you the flavor of the kind of detailed 14. Copies of all checks written in the
paperwork needed. For a full list of amount of $500 or more for the past
what’s required, visit our website at 36 months.
www.karplaw.com. 15. If applicant or spouse is a veter-
1. Social Security card, Medicare an, VA discharge papers, and copies of
card, and Supplemental or Medicare marriage certificates for all marriages.
HMO card. Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certified
2. Supplemental Health Insurance and Florida Bar-certified elder law attorney
(C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice of Trusts,
Premium Statement: If there is a com- Estates and Elder Law. His offices are locat-
munity spouse, the premium state- ed at 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton
ment must reflect how much is being Beach; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gar-
paid by the applicant and how much dens; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port
is being paid by the spouse. St. Lucie. Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boyn-
ton); 561-625-1100 (Palm Beach Gardens);
3. Verification of date of birth. or 772-343-8411 (Port St. Lucie). Toll-free
4. Proof of citizenship is required if from anywhere: 800-893-9911. E-mail: KLF@
applicant is born outside the US. Karplaw.com. or website www.karplaw.com

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