Medicaid Estate Recovery

I have read through all the questions and answers. It never ceases to amaze me how much misinformation there is out there about this program. Medicaid Estate Recovery commenced 10/1/1993. Authority for operating the MER program is published in Section 1917 of the Social Security Act. I know in our state it is explained the first time one applies for Medicaid and every redetermination thereafter. Why does it have to be paid back? Because the U.S. Government's money tree has gone dormant. Something for Nothing society.