Veterans Benefits For Long-term Care

Veterans—You May Be Sitting On A Gold Mine...And Maybe, A Mine Field to ultimately, assisted living Like all seniors, Ameror long-term nursing care. ican military veterans That ’s ju st th e w a y l i f e entering their senior years works. If you apply for run an increased risk of Veterans benefits today, you disability. But unlike their may need to apply for non-military brethren, vetMedicaid benefits a few erans have a secret weapon: years from now. And unlike Veterans benefits. the Veterans Administration, Calling Veterans beneMedicaid most definitely fits a “secret” weapon is Joseph S. Karp, cares about transfers. The not meant to be facetious. C.E.L.A. current lookback period is It’s the truth, because the from three to five years preceding the majority of elderly and disabled date of application, depending on the veterans I encounter are completely date of the transfer. So, those transunaware that they may have benefits fers you made knowing they would coming to them. Most are under the not impact on your eligibility for impression that their disability had to Veterans benefits may end up renhave been sustained during military dering you ineligible for Medicaid for service. Not true! Veterans aid and a substantial period, costing you and attendance benefits may be available your family dearly. for in-home care, for assisted living If you’re disabled or over sixty five, care, or for nursing home care even if and a veteran, you should consider the disability is unrelated to military Veterans benefits as just one part of service. Not only that, but the veterthe planning puzzle. To conserve your an’s widow may also be eligible for assets and to make use of whatever benefits. public benefits are available to you in Listen to Joe Karp with the most advantageous way, consult Anita Finley on Saturday, with a Certified Elder Law Attorney July 11 from 7:30-8:00 AM knowledgeable about both Veterans on WSBR 740AM and on the and Medicaid benefits. Internet at www.wsbrradio.com. I am happy to say that at The Karp Law Firm, all of our attorneys are accredited by the Veterans AdminisThere is of course a means test. An tration to advise about benefits, to application must be filed, at which make sure your gold mine doesn’t turn point the Veterans Administration into a mine field! analyzes both income and unreimJoseph S. Karp is a nationally certified bursed medical expenses. Transfers and Florida Bar-certified elder law attorney of assets, however, are not even part (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice of Trusts, of the picture. The Veterans AdminEstates and Elder Law. His offices are locatistration has no “lookback” period; ed at 2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton Beach; 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Garall that interests them is your finandens; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port cial status at the point you apply for St. Lucie. Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boynbenefits. And this is where we segue ton); 561-625-1100 (Palm Beach Gardens); from gold mine to mine field. or 772-343-8411 (Port St. Lucie). Toll-free Veterans applying for home care from anywhere: 800-893-9911. E-mail: KLF@ Karplaw.com or website www.karplaw.com are often on a journey from home care

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