At Foothill Funeral, our mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive funeral services to the Los Angeles Basin. We understand that planning for end-of-life expenses can be a daunting task, and we are here to support you every step of the way. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how pre-funding a funeral can assist you in qualifying for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program.
Medi-Cal and Funeral Expenses & Pre-Funding
Medi-Cal is a crucial resource for individuals and families who need assistance with their healthcare expenses. It provides essential coverage for medical services, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. However, when it comes to funeral expenses, Medi-Cal has specific rules and limitations.
Medi-Cal’s Treatment of Pre-Funding Funeral Expenses
Medi-Cal has stringent income and asset limits that applicants must meet to qualify for the program. These limits are in place to ensure that Medi-Cal serves those with limited financial resources. However, when it comes to funeral expenses, Medi-Cal does recognize the need for some flexibility.
Under Medi-Cal rules, certain assets are considered exempt when determining eligibility. One of these exempt assets is a prepaid funeral plan. This means that funds set aside specifically for funeral and burial expenses are not counted as assets when evaluating eligibility for Medi-Cal.
The Benefits of Pre-funding a Funeral
Pre-funding a funeral means making financial arrangements in advance to cover your funeral and burial expenses. This can be done through various methods, including burial insurance, prepaid funeral plans, or establishing a trust for funeral expenses. At Foothill Funeral, we offer preplanning and pre-payment services. You can opt for one or both.
Here’s how pre-funding your funeral can help you qualify for Medi-Cal:
Exempt Asset
As mentioned earlier, funds allocated for your funeral are considered an exempt asset under Medi-Cal rules. This means that the money you set aside for your funeral will not count towards the asset limit when applying for Medi-Cal.
Financial Peace of Mind
Pre-funding your funeral ensures that your loved ones won’t be burdened with the financial responsibilities of your funeral expenses. This can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your final wishes will be honored without placing a financial strain on your family.
Protecting Your Eligibility
By pre-funding your funeral, you can protect your eligibility for Medi-Cal if you anticipate needing its assistance in the future. Since these funds are exempt, they won’t affect your eligibility status.
Personalization
Pre-funding allows you to make specific arrangements for your funeral, ensuring that it aligns with your preferences and values. You can work with our experienced team at Foothill Funeral to plan a personalized and meaningful service.
Avoiding Price Increases
Funeral costs tend to rise over time due to inflation. Pre-funding your funeral locks in the current prices, protecting you and your family from potential future increases.
How to Pre-Fund Your Funeral
There are several ways to pre-fund your funeral, and we are here to assist you in making the best choice for your unique circumstances. Whether you opt for burial insurance, a prepaid funeral plan, or establishing a trust, we can guide you through the process to ensure that your funeral expenses are properly covered and exempt from Medi-Cal asset calculations.
It is important to plan while preserving your eligibility for essential programs like Medi-Cal. Pre-funding your funeral not only ensures that your final wishes are met but also provides financial security and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. If you have questions about pre-funding your funeral or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your end-of-life arrangements.
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California
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.