Question: In Ohio, are IRAs protected against the cost of a nursing home? Answer: Only in part. Medicaid in Ohio will consider as an “available resource” to pay for your nursing home costs the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year, but only if you have begun to take those distributions. If you have, then the amount paid for your RMD each year will have to be paid to the nursing home. Your options should be discussed with your estate planning attorney. -Jack N. Alpern