Hanging out at the VFW Post #10003 last night at the reception to honor Del Waugh, a member's wife said her husband understood that VA Funerals were paid for by the VA until just recently.  When they asked a local funeral home about VA benefits, they responded that they did not know, but would look into it.  We can clarify VA Funeral benefits in advance with just a call.  Now that he realized that there is not such thing as VA Funerals and that the benefits would not cover the cost, he wants to preplan his funeral.

After witnessing the funeral at the Indiana War Memorial this week, I cannot think of a more fitting location for funerals for veterans.  The grandeur, history and significance of the Indiana War Memorial is inspiring and makes attendees proud and appreciative of the dedication and commitment to our country of our veterans.  It doesn't seem so much like a funeral, but more an expression of gratitude and celebration of an unselfish life lived and gift given!

 It is hard to find any Indiana funeral homes that will work with medicaid.  The thing everyone needs to know is that with the right type of medicaid benefits are available.  Indiana Funeral Care accepts medicaid and will work with the families.  I will need a social security number or the medicaid number to call and check on the eligibility.  I can usually find something out that day if not the next.  If the family is eligible then we will deduct that cost from the contract and only bill for the remaining balance.   It's help towards an already low cost service. 

There is a family that I have been working with for a couple months.  Both grandparents are dieing and they do not want to spend a lot on their funerals or have the money to do so.  Through a search of cheap funerals Indiana and funerals for veterans, they found us.  While pre-planning the funeral with the family and talking, they decided on an immediate burial at Marion National Cemetery. 
For veterans if they decide to be buried or have their ashes buried at any National Cemetery there is no cost to the family.  The plot, opening and closing of the grave space, the vault, and grave marker are all provided by the government as long as the veteran can show proof that he was honorable discharged.
After explaining this to the family, you could actually see the relief they felt knowing that husband and wife could still have a final resting place together and it would not cost them anything.  They were then able to pick out a low cost casket and keep the funeral cost at $2500.00 for both funerals.
I left their house that day with a feeling of pride.  I was able to offer them everything they wanted and I was not taking advantage of them by charging a lot of money for something they could not afford.