Preplanning for Medicaid/SSI Applicants & Recipients

All citizens – regardless of income – are entitled to and deserving of both a proper funeral service and a burial with dignity and respect. In fact, federal and state laws support this guiding principle in a number of ways.

First, any person applying for Medicaid/SSI can set aside funds for the sole purpose of paying their funeral/burial expenses – as well as the funeral/burial of immediate family members – as part of the spend-down process to Medicaid/SSI eligibility. The funeral/burial funds set aside will not be counted as part of the individual’s financial resources. A Medicaid/SSI eligible individual must first notify his or her caseworker that funds will be set aside to pay their funeral/burial tax expenses.

Second, New York State law requires that 100% of these funeral/burial funds be placed in an irrevocable trust account, ensuring they will be available when needed and used for no other purpose than what they were intended: for the funeral/burial of the account beneficiary. For additional information, including frequently asked questions, visit PrePlan Funeral Trust.