Stop the Madness!

I recall a diet guru years ago whose the tantalizing promise that an an- Lipitor reduces cholesterol, but that before you take the leap. Don’t lis-
mantra was Stop The Madness! That’s nuity guarantees access to Medicaid doesn’t mean we all start downing ten to a salesman’s pitch, or a lawyer
how I feel about the peddling of benefits and Veterans benefits. Few them like M&Ms, right? who isn’t certified in elder law and
annuities to seniors! people realize that even I am not alone in my views on this doesn’t know the full scope of these
There’s no let-up to the if an annuity is useful subject. Congress agrees with me. In complex issues. Stop the madness!
aggressive promotion for accessing Veterans November the House passed a bill Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certi-
of annuities as a cure- benefits, it can make fied and Florida Bar-certified elder law
providing incentives for states to beef
all for every financial you ineligible for Med- up laws protecting seniors from attorney (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the
ill. And these products icaid benefits! practice of Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.
buying hard-to-understand financial
are so staggeringly I am not anti-annuity products. The bill now goes to the His offices are located at 2500
complicated that often across the board. In cer- Senate. Let’s hope we get good Quantum Lakes Drive, Boynton Beach;
the buyer—and dare I tain circumstances, they legislation out of it. We need it.2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens;
say, the seller, too— can provide peace of and 1100 SW St. Lucie W. Blvd., Port
don’t fully understand If you’re considering buying an
mind about future in- St. Lucie.
them. annuity in order to make yourself
come. In fact, there is a eligible for Veterans benefits or Call him at 561-752-4550 (Boynton);
My experience shows new annuity product Medicaid, or for the tax benefits,561-625-1100 (Palm Beach Gardens);
that few seniors un- Joseph S. Karp, that may help pay for

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see a Certified Elder Law Attorneyor 772-343-8411 (Port St. Lucie).
derstand the associat- C.E.L.A. long-term care that has Toll-free from anywhere: 800-893-9911.
ed fees which are hard piqued my interest; I am E-mail: KLF@Karplaw.com or
to fathom even if you read the fine currently investigating its potential Listen to Joe Karp with website www.karplaw.com.
print. I’ve seen seniors without tax positives and perils. You just have to Anita Finley on Saturday, Read The Florida Elder Law
worries get hooked on advertised tax think of annuities like prescription January 9 from 7:30-8:00 AM and Estate Planning Blog at

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benefits, later discovering they’ve drugs: Fine only when prescribed by on WSBR 740AM and on the www.karplaw.blogspot.com.
created tax exposure where little a doctor who fully understands the Internet at www.wsbrradio.com.
or none existed before. Then there’s drug and your medical condition.