Can the money from an annuity be given to my brother and I and my mom not be penalized for it?

My mom, 93, lives with me. She has about $18,000 in an annuity. She believes that she should cash that out, split the money between my brother and me so that she doesn't lose the money if she were to have to go into a nursing facility. Is that money subject to the 5 yr look back period for Medicaid????