Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA).
Medicaid and burial money
Up to $1,500 per person set aside for burial is not counted. It can be a burial agreement, prepaid plan, trust, life insurance or a bank account. For adults, cash value life insurance counts toward the $1,500. A burial trust, plot, vault, crypt, urn or casket is not counted no matter the value. Interest left in the burial fund is not counted.
Prepaid funeral plans
The Attorney General licenses and audits preneed funeral sellers. All money you pay is trust money and must be held by a bank, trust company, savings and loan or credit union, with all interest added in. For contracts signed on or after July 15, 2026, a seller that guarantees the price can charge a one time fee of up to 15%. Give 15 days written notice and you get back everything you paid plus interest, minus that fee. An irrevocable trust is allowed if you get or plan to apply for SSI or another public benefit.
Plan ahead
A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. Final expense in Kentucky.
Common questions
How much does a funeral cost in Kentucky?
Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in Kentucky vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.
Is there help paying for a funeral in Kentucky?
Check with your county. Many counties help when a family has no money.
Who regulates funeral homes in Kentucky?
The state funeral licensing board.
