Estate Planning - What have you learned

I have seen this Medicaid situation a few times as a nurse. There is most-definitely a look back period and some states are making it longer than five years. As it was explained to me, when you try to "protect" the family home for your heirs, you are saying the taxpayers are on the hook for your care. This system is not sustainable. I agree that it is sad to have your assets go for your end of life care but unless we have a system where all end of life care is paid (not possible, too expensive to even consider) you are responsible for your own care. Everyone would like to leave something for their children, etc. but someone has to pay the bills.