Care. Most states exempt primary residences as a countable asset with regards to Medicaid insurance, including long term care. This is true even if you are in a nursing home.(you must “have an intent to return”, which is liberally construed). The laws vary between states as to how long you can be in nursing care before the home must be sold (sometimes it’s 12 months, sometimes indefinite), and there may be equity limitations, but please check these things before selling a primary residence to pay for care. Also, you can sell a home and use the proceeds to buy another primary residence and the new residence still isn’t a countable asset (subject to the above limitations).