If Medicare and Medicad offer funeral benefits, are there restrictions if someone committed suicide?
Answers
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.
