Dialogues About Death | E6: The Cost of Death

Understanding the Cost of Death: What You Need to Know

Death is an inevitable part of life, yet so many people are unprepared for the financial realities that come with it. In Episode 6 of Dialogues About Death, Chris Miller of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory dives deep into the real costs of funerals, cremation, and veterans’ benefits, as well as how pre-planning can save your family from financial stress.

💡 “We try to take the ‘ugh’ out of death by making it easier for families to plan and prepare.” – Chris Miller

If you’ve ever wondered how much a funeral really costs, whether Medicare helps, or if you should prepay, this guide will give you clarity and peace of mind.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Many people avoid discussing funeral costs, assuming they are too expensive or complicated. The truth is, funeral expenses vary greatly depending on what services you choose.

Average Funeral Costs in California:

✔️ Traditional Burial: $4,500 – $10,000+
✔️ Cremation: $1,500 – $8,000+ (depending on services & urn selection)
✔️ Simple Direct Cremation: $1,500 – $3,500
✔️ Full Funeral with Ceremony & Burial: $7,500 – $9,500

💡 Chris’s Advice: “Funeral costs almost double every 10 years. Planning ahead locks in today’s prices and saves your family thousands.”

📌 What determines the price?

Type of casket (wood, metal, custom)
Burial plot & headstone
Ceremony details (flowers, musicians, officiants)
Transportation & funeral home fees

The best way to control costs? Pre-planning.

Does Medicare Cover Funeral Costs?

🚫 No. Many people assume Medicare covers funerals, but it only covers medical expenses while you’re alive.

What about Social Security?

✔️ Social Security provides a one-time $275 payment to a surviving spouse.
✔️ If you have minor or disabled children, they may qualify for additional benefits.

💡 “We help families process Social Security paperwork to prevent identity theft and ensure benefits are received correctly.” – Chris Miller

Should You Prepay for Your Funeral?

YES! Pre-paying is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.

Benefits of Prepaying:

✔️ Locks in today’s prices, avoiding future inflation.
✔️ Protects your family from financial stress.
✔️ Gives you control over your final arrangements.
✔️ Allows for flexible payment plans (3, 5, 7, or 10 years).

💡 “We’ve had families prepay for their funeral 30 years ago, and they saved thousands by paying in advance!”

📌 What’s covered?

Funeral home services
Casket or urn
Cremation or burial
Ceremony expenses

📌 What’s NOT covered? (but can be budgeted for)

Death certificates
Sales tax
Flowers, officiants, musicians
Police escorts

Burial vs. Cremation: Which Is More Affordable?

💡 Surprising Fact: Cremation isn’t always cheaper than burial!

✔️ A simple cremation can cost as little as $1,500, but…
✔️ Many families spend more on keepsakes, urns, or memorials, making cremation costs similar to burial.
✔️ Some cremation families spend up to $7,000+ on custom urns, jewelry, and memorial services.

💡 “Every family values different things. Some choose a simple urn, while others invest in keepsakes and memorialization.”

📌 Unique Cremation Options:

Keepsake jewelry made from ashes
Thumbprint memorials
Custom glass art urns
Scattering at sea

✔️ Thomas Miller Mortuary offers all of these options to ensure families can honor their loved one in a meaningful way.

Veterans’ Benefits: What’s Covered?

If you or a loved one served in the military, you may be eligible for significant burial benefits.

Veterans’ Funeral Benefits Include:

✔️ Burial at a National Cemetery (Riverside, Miramar, or Bakersfield in CA).
✔️ A free headstone, burial liner, and grave marker.
✔️ Military honors & flag presentation at the funeral.
✔️ Cremation & urn placement at a VA columbarium.

📌 Spouses of Veterans Are Also Eligible!

Spouses can be buried with their veteran at no additional cost.
VA covers both burial and cremation options.

💡 A Veteran’s Burial Can Save Families $7,000 – $11,000!

📞 Need help applying? Thomas Miller Mortuary handles all VA paperwork for families.

Who Notifies the Family When Someone Passes?

Many people wonder who makes the call when a loved one dies.

✔️ If at home, 911 or police will notify next of kin.
✔️ If in a hospital or care home, nurses or staff will call the family.
✔️ If out of the country, the U.S. Embassy will assist in bringing remains home.

💡 Pro Tip:

Keep emergency contacts updated in your phone.
Make sure your family knows your final wishes.

How Does a Funeral Home Track Your Loved One?

One of the biggest concerns families have is: 💡 “Where is my loved one during the process?”

✔️ ID Bands: Every person in Thomas Miller Mortuary’s care receives an identification band that stays with them.
✔️ Cremation Tracking Coins: A unique ID coin is placed with ashes to ensure proper identification.
✔️ Complete Transparency: Families can ask for status updates anytime.

💡 “We make sure every family knows their loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.”

How to Choose the Right Funeral Home

✔️ Ask if they handle everything in-house (some funeral homes contract services out).
✔️ Make sure they have licensed staff (some low-cost providers outsource embalming & cremation).
✔️ Compare prices, but also consider service & facilities.
✔️ Ask about their scheduling policies (some corporate funeral homes hold multiple funerals at the same time).

💡 “At Thomas Miller Mortuary, we only hold one service at a time, giving families the private space they deserve.”

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Legacy

📌 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔️ Funerals & cremations vary in cost—know your options.
✔️ Medicare does NOT cover funeral costs—plan ahead.
✔️ Prepaying locks in today’s prices & saves thousands.
✔️ Veterans & their spouses receive free burial benefits.
✔️ Choosing a trusted funeral home ensures peace of mind.

💡 What’s your next step? If you haven’t planned yet, now is the time.

📞 Need assistance with funeral planning? Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory offers free consultations and pre-planning