If Medicare and Medicad offer funeral benefits, are there restrictions if someone committed suicide?
Medicare and Medicaid vary from state to state, so for an exact answer you'll need to contact a benefits adviser in your state. That said, Medicare and Medicaid do not, as a rule, pay death benefits beyond the Social Security program's $255 one-time payment to surviving spouse or children. These programs do, however, allow you to set aside funds for funeral expenses as part of the 'assets spend-down' to qualify for certain benefits. On average these funds are limited (about $1500 total is a number you'll often see, but again .. check with experts in your state) and may not be enough to cover funeral expenses. A Totten Trust (set up through your bank), life/burial insurance or prepaid services are more viable options considering the cost of a funeral today. Other than exclusionary clauses in insurance policies (ask!) benefits are not as a rule limited in the case of suicide. A Totten Trust (set up through your bank), life/burial insurance or prepaid services are more viable options considering the cost of a funeral today. Other than exclusionary clauses in insurance policies (ask!) benefits are not as a rule limited in the case of suicide.
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