[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by getforfree

I think, if I would have any properties or other estates, I will give it to my kids even before I retire. That way, I make sure they get equal amount, they won't have to wait until I die, and because I will be "poor", I will get all the benefits.

The one problem is you need to give the money away at least 5 years before entering a nursing home. It used to be 3 years but they changed the rule. But there is the gifting policy that lets you give away thousands of dollars each year with no tax implication. You could also donate to charity by doing a charitable annuity where you make a lump sum donation and receive a monthly check for life. When you die, the charity gets the principal.

There are lots of ways that folks with substantial means can still donate them or pass them down without being sucked dry by nursing homes.