Understanding Your Rights Under the Funeral Rule

When planning a funeral, it is important to know that you are protected by the Funeral Rule, which is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This rule is designed to ensure you have the information necessary to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.

The rule grants you specific rights when dealing with funeral providers, ensuring transparency in pricing and service options. Understanding these protections can help you manage the process with greater confidence.

• ✓You have the right to buy only the goods and services you want, rather than being forced into pre-set packages.
• ✓Funeral providers must provide an itemized General Price List (GPL) when you discuss arrangements in person.
• ✓You can request price information over the telephone, and providers are required to share it without requiring your personal contact information.
• ✓If state or local law requires a specific item, the provider must disclose this in writing on the price list.

The Role of the General Price List

The General Price List (GPL) is the most important document you will receive from a funeral home. It serves as a menu of all goods and services offered, along with their individual costs. By law, this list must be provided to you as soon as you begin discussing arrangements in person.

Reviewing the GPL allows you to compare costs between different funeral homes. Because prices can vary significantly between providers, taking the time to review these lists is a practical way to manage your budget.

• ✓The GPL must include the prices for all services and merchandise offered.
• ✓Separate price lists may be provided for specific items like caskets or outer burial containers.
• ✓The list must clearly state that you have the right to select only the items you desire.
• ✓It must disclose if embalming is not required by local law.

Common Funeral Fees and Services

Funeral costs are generally broken down into several categories. Understanding these components helps you identify what you are paying for and where you might be able to adjust your choices.

Most funeral homes charge a 'basic services fee.' This is a non-declinable fee that covers the overhead costs of the funeral director and staff, such as planning, securing permits, coordinating with third parties, and sheltering the remains. This fee is typically charged regardless of the specific arrangements you choose.

• ✓Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff.
• ✓Transportation of the remains.
• ✓Preparation of the body, including embalming or other preservation methods.
• ✓Use of facilities for viewing, ceremonies, or memorial services.
• ✓Merchandise such as caskets, urns, or outer burial containers.
• ✓Cash advances for third-party services like flowers, obituaries, or clergy fees.

Planning Ahead: Pre-need Arrangements

Many individuals choose to plan their own funerals in advance to relieve their families of the burden of making difficult decisions during a time of grief. This process, often called 'pre-need' planning, allows you to document your preferences and compare costs at your own pace.

While you can document your wishes, you also have the option to pay for these services in advance. If you choose to prepay, it is important to understand how the funds are held and what happens if the funeral home changes ownership or closes. Always ask for a clear explanation of the contract terms before committing to any payment.

• ✓Documenting your preferences can spare survivors from making stressful decisions under time pressure.
• ✓You can choose to plan without prepaying, which allows you to keep your options flexible.
• ✓If you do prepay, ensure you understand the terms regarding price guarantees and potential changes in business ownership.
• ✓Consider where the final resting place will be, as this is a key part of the planning process.

Comparison Shopping

Comparison shopping is one of the most effective ways to manage funeral costs. Because the Funeral Rule requires providers to give pricing over the phone, you do not need to visit multiple locations to get a sense of their costs.

Create a checklist of the specific services you are interested in and call several funeral homes in your area. Ask for their General Price List or specific pricing for the items on your list. This approach allows you to make an apples-to-apples comparison of the services offered.

• ✓Use a consistent checklist when calling different providers to ensure you are comparing the same services.
• ✓Do not feel obligated to provide your personal information when asking for price quotes over the phone.
• ✓Ask about the availability of alternative containers for direct cremation if that is an option you are considering.
• ✓Remember that you are not required to purchase a package if you only need individual services.

Questions to Ask

When you meet with a funeral director, asking clear questions can help you stay within your budget and ensure your wishes are met. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification on any item on the price list.

The goal is to feel informed and comfortable with the decisions you are making. If you feel pressured, it is perfectly acceptable to take a step back and review your options elsewhere.

• ✓Can you provide a copy of your General Price List for me to take home?
• ✓Are there any state or local laws that require specific services or merchandise?
• ✓What is included in the basic services fee?
• ✓Are there less expensive options available for caskets or urns?
• ✓What happens to my prepaid funds if the funeral home changes ownership?