If I use the $20K in my IRA (my only savings) to contribute to a down payment for housing, will this affect my Medicaid eligibility?

Maren, it would be best to speak to an Elder Law Attorney to get his/her opinion on what to do. The Attorney would need to be licensed to practice law in the State where your daughter lives. You would need an Attorney anyway to make any changes to your Will or Power of Attorney because each State has their own laws, and sometimes you can't transfer a POA to a new State, sometimes you can.

It's my understanding if you already own a house when you apply for Medicaid, you can keep the house, but Medicaid will place a lien on the house so that they can be reimbursed for the cost of your care.