Medicare or Medi-Cal: How Pre-Planning Your Funeral May Help You Qualify

The government has recently incentivized people to pre-plan their own funerals through Medicare and Medi-Cal funding. However, take steps to make sure you get the most out of your funeral pre-planning experience. This guide will help you put your plans in order, which will lighten the load your family bears after you die.

If you qualify for Medicare/Medi-Cal.

• Pre-planning your funeral can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Medicare/Medi-Cal covers funeral costs up to a certain amount, depending on where the death occurred and whether it was in a hospital or nursing home:
• $700 for burial and $1,500 for cremation (if the decedent was not in a hospital or nursing home).
• $300 per day spent at an acute care facility prior to death (up to 365 days). This includes room charges only. Medicare does not include other fees such as doctor visits.

If you have high medical expenses or other serious debt, how Medicare factors in.

Pre-planning can help you qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare.

• If your family incurs medical expenses more than $1,500 after your death, they will be able to apply those costs toward final expense payments. This reduces their overall burden on the system and frees up funds for other eligible people.
• If there is no one left to pay off debts like mortgages or car loans after your passing–or if there are not enough assets left over after selling those things, then these debts won’t be paid off by any means other than through public assistance programs like Medicare.

Medicare — If you Receive a Terminal Diagnosis

Were you diagnosed with a terminal illness and can’t afford to pay for your own funeral? Pre-planning offers an an option. If you qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare, pre-planning can help you get that diagnosis certified by a doctor.

To get a terminal diagnosis certified by a doctor, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at for more information about how to apply for benefits based on having a terminal illness (or other conditions).

More Financial Security if you Pre-Plan Your Funeral

Pre-planning a funeral can be an important step toward ensuring that your wishes are carried out and that you have the financial security you need. Not just for the wealthy or elderly, pre-planning is a good idea for anyone who wants to make sure their family does not have to worry about making decisions at a difficult time.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation Services

Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.