Don't Throw Away These Documents

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 problife, accident, health. ably faced the challenge of 6. Copies of guardianship figuring out what to keep or power of attorney paand what to throw away. pers. Often, visiting kids and 7. Copy of last Will and grandkids may pressure copy of Trust, if applicayou to just get rid of everyble. thing. They may even of8. Income tax returns for fer to take a break from the last three years; if there Joseph S. Karp, sunning on the beach so 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 auAs 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 transacitems 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 propreaucratic process. Most people are erty’s value at time of sale. astonished at the extent and specifici12. Burial arrangements. Copies of ty of documentation they must subany 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 locat13. 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, statethe 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 veteran, VA discharge papers, and copies of 1. Social Security card, Medicare marriage certificates for all marriages. card, and Supplemental or Medicare Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certified HMO card. and Florida Bar-certified elder law attorney 2. Supplemental Health Insurance (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice of Trusts, Premium Statement: If there is a comEstates and Elder Law. His offices are locatmunity spouse, the premium stateed at 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton ment must reflect how much is being Beach; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port paid by the applicant and how much St. Lucie. Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boynis being paid by the spouse. 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@ Karplaw.com. or website www.karplaw.com applicant is born outside the US.