No. Medicare does not pay for funerals, burial, or cremation. Medicare coverage ends when the person dies.
Medicare is health coverage. It pays for care, not final expenses. Coverage ends on the day the person passes away.
Medicare does pay for hospice care at the end of life for someone with a terminal illness. But that is care, not funeral costs.
Social Security may pay a one time $255 death payment. It goes to a surviving spouse, or to certain children if there is no spouse. You must apply within 2 years of the death.
Most families pay with savings, life insurance, or funeral insurance. Washington State says funeral insurance often pays $5,000 to $25,000.
The FTC Funeral Rule lets you get prices by phone and an itemized price list. You only have to buy what you want.
- Life insurance
- Funeral or final expense insurance
- Social Security $255 payment, if eligible
- Savings
More questions
Does Medicaid pay for funerals?
Medicaid is a separate program. Ask your state Medicaid office or county about burial help.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan pay for a funeral?
Humana says Medicare does not pay for funerals. Ask your plan, but do not count on it.
Words to know
- Final expense
- A small policy, also called a burial policy, that covers or prepays funeral costs.
