Does Medicaid Cover Cremation? In Indiana, YES.

does medicaid cover cremation​?

Does Medicaid Cover Cremation? A Guide for Indiana Families

The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult time, and navigating the financial aspects of final arrangements can add a significant layer of stress. For many families, a primary concern is understanding what resources are available to help with these costs. A common question we encounter at Roo Home Care is, "Does Medicaid cover cremation?"

In Indiana, the answer is yes, to an extent. This guide will walk you through how Indiana's Medicaid program can assist with cremation costs, what to expect from other states, and additional resources that can provide support during this challenging time.

Cremation Coverage Under Indiana Medicaid

Indiana's Medicaid program, through the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), offers a Burial Assistance Program to help defray the costs of funeral and burial expenses, including cremation, for eligible individuals. It's important to understand that this program is not designed to cover the entire cost of a funeral but to provide a measure of financial relief.

How much does Indiana Medicaid cover?

As of the latest information, the Indiana Burial Assistance Program may provide:

  • Up to $1,200 for funeral home expenses, which includes cremation services.

  • Up to $800 for cemetery expenses.

Who is eligible for this assistance?

To qualify for the Burial Assistance Program, the deceased individual must have been an active Indiana Medicaid recipient at the time of their passing and fall into one of the following eligibility categories:

  • Aged (MA A)

  • Blind (MA B)

  • Disabled (MA D)

  • Receiving Supplemental Security Income (MASI)

The funeral home you work with will be able to verify the deceased's eligibility with the FSSA.

How to Apply for Indiana Medicaid Burial Assistance

A crucial point for families to understand is that individuals and families cannot apply directly for this assistance. The application, officially known as State Form 35937, must be submitted by the funeral home or cemetery provider on behalf of the deceased.

Here’s a general overview of the process:

  1. Inform the Funeral Home: When making arrangements, inform the funeral director that you believe your loved one was an eligible Medicaid recipient.

  2. Eligibility Verification: The funeral home will contact the FSSA to verify the deceased's Medicaid status and eligibility for the Burial Assistance Program.

  3. Application Submission: The funeral home will complete and submit the necessary paperwork to the FSSA.

  4. Direct Payment: If approved, the FSSA will make the payment directly to the funeral home and/or cemetery.

It's important to note that any financial contributions from the family may impact the amount of assistance provided by Medicaid. Be sure to discuss this with your chosen funeral director.

A Look at Cremation Coverage in Other States

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means that benefits and coverage can vary significantly from one state to another. While Indiana has a dedicated program, this is not the case nationwide.

Currently, only a handful of other states offer some form of Medicaid-funded funeral or cremation assistance. These include:

  • Colorado: The state's Old Age Pension (OAP) program and the Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) program may provide some burial or cremation benefits. The amount of assistance and eligibility requirements can vary by county.

  • Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Funeral and Cemetery Aids Program (WFCAP) may help cover funeral and burial costs for individuals who were receiving certain types of public assistance, including some Medicaid programs.

  • Wyoming: The Wyoming Department of Family Services offers a Burial Assistance program for deceased individuals who were receiving certain public assistance benefits at the time of death.

For states not listed, it is unlikely that their Medicaid programs directly cover cremation costs. However, many states have other forms of assistance, often at the county or township level, for indigent burials.

Additional Resources for Financial Assistance with Cremation

If your loved one was not eligible for Medicaid's Burial Assistance Program, or if you need further financial support, there are other avenues to explore:

  • Township Trustee Assistance (Indiana): In Indiana, each township has a trustee who may be able to provide financial assistance for the burial or cremation of indigent residents. You will need to contact the trustee in the township where the deceased individual resided. The funeral home can often guide you through this process.

  • Social Security: If the deceased worked and paid Social Security taxes, a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may be available to a surviving spouse or child.

  • Veterans Benefits: If the deceased was a veteran, they might be eligible for burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This can include a burial allowance, a plot or interment in a VA national cemetery, and a headstone or marker.

  • Non-Profit Organizations: Several non-profit and charitable organizations offer financial assistance for funeral and cremation expenses to families in need. The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a valuable resource for information on affordable funeral options.

  • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans and Insurance: Some individuals may have had the foresight to set up a pre-paid funeral plan or have a life insurance policy that can be used to cover these expenses.

How Roo Home Care Can Help

At Roo Home Care, we understand that navigating end-of-life planning can be overwhelming. As a home care agency, our role extends beyond daily assistance to providing support and resources to our clients and their families. We can help by:

  • Providing Information: We can help you find the information and resources you need to make informed decisions.

  • Connecting You with Experts: We can connect you with trusted local funeral homes and other professionals who can guide you through the process.

  • Advocating for Your Needs: We are here to support you in any way we can during this difficult time.

While the financial aspects of final arrangements can be daunting, it's important to remember that there are resources available to help. In Indiana, Medicaid's Burial Assistance Program can provide valuable support for eligible families choosing cremation. By understanding the options and seeking assistance, you can honor your loved one's memory without bearing an overwhelming financial burden.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation. Program details, including coverage amounts and eligibility, are subject to change.

Sources: Paid.care + Magnolia Cremations