If I don't have an estate plan, does my money go to the government when I pass away?

No, but the government frequently ends up with a deceased's property that should have gone to their family.  This happens when people pay Medicaid reimbursement at death that could have been avoided, when their “unadministered” assets go to the State of Michigan’s treasury as unclaimed property, and as the result of poor tax planning.  

Avoiding these outcomes is simple when you know the rules and have an estate plan.  Wills, trusts, “ladybird” deeds, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and many other tools are available to help you control outcomes for you, your family, or your charitable goals.