Submitted by Modern Woodmen
Social Security provides a
lump-sum death benefit of just $255 to individuals qualifying for
survivor benefits. That isn’t nearly enough to cover the average cost of
a funeral, which in 2010 averaged $6,500 for basic services only. This
figure doesn’t account for a cemetery plot, monument or marker costs, or
costs for other items such as flowers and obituaries. By the time you
add all costs in, the average funeral in the United States can easily
exceed $10,000.
It’s also common to have other final expenses, such
as hospice care or hospital bills for end-of-life care. These include
many out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles and copayments not covered
by Medicare, which can average more than $11,000 in the last year of
life. These bills may continue to trickle in for weeks or months after
your death, leaving your family to face additional stress and burden
while dealing with their grief. by Kevin Orfield
Average funeral and end-of-life care costs
Services fees $1,817
Transfer of remains $250
Embalming $628
Other preparation of body $200
Use of facilities/staff for viewing $395
Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony $450
Hearse $275
Service car/van $125
Basic memorial printed package $125
Metal casket $2,295
Vault $1,195 Cemetery plot $200–2,000
Opening and closing a grave $375–1,000
Headstone/marker $500–4,000+
Average out-of-pocket health-care expenses, last year of life $11,618
Estimated average total $23,411
Sources:
Social Security Administration 2010, Federal Trade Commission, 2010
NFDA General Price List Survey, and the National Bureau of Economic
Research.
Do you have enough?
Review your life insurance coverage
Life
insurance can help provide peace of mind for you and those left behind.
The income tax-free death benefit can help your beneficiaries pay for
your funeral and other expenses associated with your death.
Modern Woodmen of America’s Simple Application offers a quick and easy way to apply for up to $40,000 of
quality
whole life insurance. The premiums are level and guaranteed to never
increase, and coverage can never be cancelled, as long as premiums are
paid. No blood tests or exams are required – just answer five simple
questions to determine if you qualify. It’s a quick, easy way to help
secure the peace of mind you deserve.
Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen of
America offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to
individuals and families throughout the United States. If you have any
questions contact your local Modern Woodmen representative Ruth Ahnen in
Bennendorf Iowa at 563-508-0842 or visit Ruth.Ahnen@mwarep.org.