However, if you assign deed of your home to a Living Trust, you loose this exemption and your home is now considered a 'Countable Resource'.

Many seniors will find themselves in need of Medicaid assistance to help pay for health care services. Medicaid, once an 'entitlement program' available to those that met age and income criteria, is now a completely different program allowing state to collect Medicaid reimbursement from your estate. The federal guidelines and individual state guidelines are not always exact same guidelines. Each state has been provided a great deal of flexibility in how they interpret and govern Medicaid. Ohio happens to be one of worst states.

In fact, in a recent article published in Forbes Magazine, entitled 'Best Places to Die'', Ohio ranked 49 out of fifty for this and other reasons. See Best Places to Die

The Probate Myth:

If you are like my grandma, with less than a total of $200,000 in assets, chances are a Living Trust is not a reasonable vehicle to purchase simply to avoid probate. We have learned that as long as deed, bank accounts, insurance policies and so forth are written with proper legal wording of 'survivorship' these assets will seamlessly pass to surviving spouse, without probate.

Just as IRS has complicated tax returns to point an average citizen needs to pay for assistance in order to file, government has created same quagmire with Medicare and Medicaid issues.

In conclusion:

• Trusts have solid purposes, however, please speak with someone who is well versed and educated on Medicare and Medicaid issues before pursuing.

• Not having a trust does not mean your estate will definitely go through Probate court.

• Do not assume you know how Medicare and Medicaid works. Either speak with a professional that specializes in elder planningissues privately, or attend one of many workshops to self-educate yourself.

• Seniors, please do not invite a sales representative in to your home while you are alone. You want someone you trust (an adult child or friend) to be in home during this sales presentation. This is not a 'dig'. You've been around block and are more savvy than most of us and you have right to do what you want. Just be aware that there are people out there that know how to manipulate your trust. In fact, their sales training teaches them 'how to' do just that.

• Never feel pressured to 'do it right now'. All professional reputable services expect you to consider your options.

• Never give your birth date, social security number, bank account numbers and so forth to anyone over telephone or to a stranger that has come to your home.

• Do not assume that a company with no complaints registered with Better Business Bureau equates to an 'approved' service. Anyone with $500 can join Better Business Bureau.

• Get all facts before you make a decision. Ask a lot of questions. Please, be careful.

Stop guessing! Select a Senior Approved Service! Phone toll free at 877-620-6448 for one-on-one assistance, or visit Seniors Approve Free Web Community