Should we get Power of Attorney for each other since we cannot get married?

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My fiance' and I cannot get married because I am disabled and would lose ALL of my disability AND medical insurance. So we have decided to not get married...yet, we want to be able to make all of the decisions a married couple would make for each other. For instance, if one of us ends up in the hospital, we want to be able to make decisions for each other. We also want to be able to make other important decisions, financial, etc., should the need arise. We each own our own house AND land, all free and clear....no liens, or debts, other than my $500 credit card bill. (Yes, I said $500! Can you believe it's that low?!) Would you advise that we each gain Power of Attorney for each other? Is it difficult, expensive? How do we do it--we need a lawyer? What are the problems that might arise if we DO get power of attorney, if any? Other than getting married, we feel this is the next best thing. Thanks for your advice!