[Gaffer]

They won’t take a house, or a car, or attach earnings. But when you die, they go after what’s left, ahead of heirs, I believe.

[AppyPappy]

I think they can force liquidation of a house if there is no one in it. We had to sell my mother’s condo.

[ladyjane]

After you die they can take your house, your car or your personal belongings. States differ in what they take.

They can even go after assets that by-pass probate, for example, real estate in joint name and joint or payable on death bank accounts.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-medicaid-recovers-the-cost-long-term-care-from-your-estate-after-you-die.html

Some heirs are going to be surprised and very angry wishing they had done in Aunt Tillie earlier.

[Sacajaweau]

That's where the look back comes. Parents transfer all their assets to their children if they want them to have anything. Lots of "life use" clauses.

This Obamacare won't give you that option. They'll track everything you have from day 1.