Take it from me who is going through the Medicaid application process we for my elderly dad, if you have some money, give it to your kids when they need it! Don't make them wait till your dead because the the govt might have a say!!!
Hardest part for the elder folks is the process of letting go of their hard earned wealth while they are alive. Proper planning, and in this case, passing money to family is so important. I could tell you many stories regarding this topic.