Answer: It is a good idea to have one, especially when planning for long-term care, provided that you have complete trust in the person that you name as your agent. A POA is an extremely powerful document that your agent can use for a variety of Medicaid and estate planning needs, both foreseen and unforeseen. Once you sufficiently identify your Medicaid or Estate Planning needs, you should sign a POA as soon as possible naming a trusted individual as your agent. If there is a need to implement or continue your estate plan or gifting program after your possible incapacity, the agent can implement, under your POA, your wishes to the greatest degree possible.