Funeral costs continue to rise in 2025. The average cost for a funeral with viewing, cemetery, and casket costs included is over $10,000. Any family could need help covering such a major up-front expense and may look to state-run programs for support, such as Medicaid funeral assistance.
Three states currently offer Medicaid funeral assistance: Colorado, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Several others offer different state burial assistance programs. However, eligibility for most of these programs is based on income and often has strict requirements.
Many applicants may exceed state and Medicaid funeral assistance income or asset limits but still want to secure support for their loved ones. Other government assistance options are available, but a low-cost final expense insurance policy may be a good choice instead. Final expense insurance is designed with seniors who may have fixed incomes in mind.
Contact Final Expense Benefits to learn more. Our expert agents are available by phone at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Check our free online quoting tool for rate estimates.
Medicaid Funeral Assistance & State Burial Assistance
Only Colorado, Indiana, and Wisconsin currently offer Medicaid funeral assistance. However, several states provide other state burial assistance programs. Colorado offers both.
Most state-run burial assistance programs are need-based, meaning they typically only support lower-income families. Eligibility varies by state and may change due to legislation, so check your local Medicaid funeral assistance or state burial assistance requirements to see if you qualify.
Below is a menu with links to each state’s Medicaid funeral assistance or state burial assistance programs.
Check If Your State Offers Medicaid Funeral Assistance or State Burial Assistance
Eligibility for Medicaid Funeral Assistance
Medicaid funeral assistance is usually available to those who normally qualify for Medicaid. Requirements differ by state and can change with legislation, but Medicaid is generally available to:
- People ages 65+
- Children
- Pregnant people
- People with disabilities
- Adults with low or unreliable incomes
Many states require Medicaid applicants to be under income thresholds and have limited assets. General guidelines include:
- A yearly income below the federal poverty line, which is $15,650 for a single person in 2025
- Less than $500 in liquid cash assets, such as savings accounts or retirement funds
- Less than $1,500 set aside as funeral savings
Consult your state’s Medicaid guidelines for a more accurate eligibility assessment.
Other Burial Assistance Resources
Medicaid funeral assistance isn’t the only resource that can help cover funeral costs. Several government options are available, like state burial assistance, Social Security, and Veterans benefits.
Depending on your income and eligibility, these options may not work. However, one option you could turn to is final expense insurance. If you can comfortably cover its cost, final expense insurance can be a great way to pay for your funeral ahead of time.
If you’re interested in final expense insurance, call us at (866) 786-0725 to learn more. Be sure to check our free online quoting tool for personalized estimates.
1
State Burial Assistance & County Resources
Medicaid isn’t the only funeral support service offered by states. Several offer separate state burial services to provide support for funeral expenses. States without state-run burial assistance programs may offer them at the county or city level.
Like Medicaid funeral assistance, many of these programs are based on financial need and have strict eligibility restrictions. Check your location’s requirements before applying for assistance.
2
Social Security Death Benefit
The Social Security Administration offers a death benefit payout to assist with funeral costs. Unfortunately, this payout has not been adjusted in over 70 years and only provides $255.
3
Veterans Burial Benefits
The federal government offers funeral coverage for veterans and their loved ones. However, Veterans Affairs often only covers military funerals and burials in military cemeteries and payouts can be quite limited. Kentucky, South Dakota, and Utah offer additional limited funeral coverage for veterans.
Unfortunately, most other government resources aren’t enough to fully cover funeral costs. Payouts are often slim and you may not be offered a choice in what the funeral may look like. But one option offers a strong payout and doesn’t take away your control: final expense insurance.
4
Final Expense Insurance
Final expense insurance is a low-cost type of whole life insurance designed with seniors in mind. A good policy can cover the cost of your funeral, burial, and more.
How Final Expense Insurance Covers Burial Costs
Unlike government resources like Medicaid funeral assistance or state burial assistance, you have complete control over your final expense insurance coverage. Final expense insurance pays a death benefit payout to designated beneficiaries when the policyholder dies.
You have control over how much coverage you want, which directly affects your monthly premiums. Payouts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, though if you have a constrained budget, some providers offer policies with payouts as low as $2,000.
Because final expense insurance is intended to be accessible to seniors, many policies don’t require a medical exam to qualify. Most final expense policies have relaxed underwriting guidelines, which providers use to determine eligibility.
As a result, providers often accept applicants who smoke or are diagnosed with a wide range of preexisting health conditions. Some policies with a high acceptance rate require a waiting period before payouts. Others pay a modified death benefit, which reduces payouts over a waiting period. Most final expense insurance waiting periods are two years.
Final Expense Benefits is here to help you get the best available coverage at a great price. Even if you have health concerns, we can often help you find a great policy without a waiting period.
Call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725 to learn more about final expense insurance.
How Much Does Final Expense Insurance Cost?
A huge advantage to final expense insurance is the low cost. You could be eligible for $10,000 of coverage (considered the benchmark for final expense policies) for as little as $30 per month.
Below are sample rates for a $10,000 final expense policy from our top-rated providers for a non-smoking applicant with no preexisting health concerns:
| Company |
Male 50y/o |
Female 50y/o |
Male 60y/o |
Female 60y/o |
Male 70y/o |
Female 70y/o |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$34 |
$27 |
$50 |
$40 |
$70 |
$56 |
|
|
$31 |
$26 |
$43 |
$35 |
$71 |
$53 |
|
|
$31 |
$24 |
$44 |
$33 |
$75 |
$53 |
|
|
$34 |
$29 |
$45 |
$35 |
$79 |
$59 |
|
|
$33 |
$26 |
$48 |
$36 |
$82 |
$58 |
These figures are estimates only, based on a $10,000 final expense insurance policy with no applicant pre-existing conditions.
Final Thoughts
Funeral expenses often exceed $10,000, so lower-income families may turn to government programs like Medicaid funeral assistance or state burial assistance for support in covering such major costs. Unfortunately, requirements can be restrictive and often leave you looking for help elsewhere.
Final expense insurance can be an affordable option. Rates for a $10,000 policy start at less than $30 per month. It can fit nearly any financial profile because you can customize your policy to suit your financial needs and provide the coverage your loved ones need.
Contact Final Expense Benefits and we can help connect you to an affordable Final Expense Insurance policy. Call us Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (866) 786-0725 to learn more. Check our free online quoting tool for a personalized pricing estimate.
FAQ
Can you have life insurance while on Medicaid?
Most states allow for life insurance while on Medicaid, provided it is used for burial coverage and benefits are below strict asset limits. Each state’s requirements are different.
Can Medicaid take your life insurance benefit?
Medicaid usually can’t take life insurance benefits, but these rules may change based on the state. This is why it’s important to have a life insurance agent who can ensure your policy doesn’t interfere with your Medicaid eligibility.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs have risen with inflation and it appears this will continue. Average funeral costs in 2025 are over $10,000 when factoring in casket costs, burial plot costs, and other funeral expenses.
What is final expense insurance?
Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to help seniors cover end-of-life expenses like funerals and burial plot costs.
