Irrevocable Funeral Trust Planning for Families in 48 States
An irrevocable funeral trust sets aside money for your funeral today. It keeps that money safe from a nursing home spend down. No health questions to qualify.
Licensed insurance agent. Available in every state except Michigan and New York.
What Happens to Savings When a Parent Needs a Nursing Home
Nursing home care runs about $9,581 a month nationally. Most families pay that from savings until Medicaid takes over.
Medicaid has a strict asset limit. In Iowa, a single applicant can keep $2,000. In Nebraska, the limit is $6,696. Everything above that must be spent first. This is called a Medicaid spend down.
Here is the part most families miss. An irrevocable funeral trust is one of the few places you can move money that Medicaid will not count. You prepay your funeral, protect that money, and take a final bill off your family's plate.
$9,581
National median monthly cost of a semi-private nursing home room (2025)
$2,000
Assets a single Medicaid applicant can keep in most states
$13,125
Average Iowa funeral cost. Amounts above it need an itemized list.
Figures vary by state. Call for your state's rules.
Funeral Trust Options and Medicaid Planning Help
What Is a Funeral Trust
A funeral trust holds money for your final expenses. When you pass, the funds pay for the funeral you planned.
Funeral Trusts and Medicaid
You cannot cash out an irrevocable trust. That is why Medicaid does not count it as an asset, up to your state's limit.
Burial Trusts
A burial trust works the same way. It sets aside money for burial goods and services.
Prepaid Funeral Trusts
Lock in your plan now. Your family will not have to make choices, or find money, in the hardest week of their lives.
Medicaid Spend Down
Learn which expenses count, which assets are exempt, and where a funeral trust fits.
Trust Comparison
Revocable or irrevocable? Funeral trust or life insurance? See the differences side by side.
Why Families Choose an Irrevocable Funeral Trust
No health questions
Everyone qualifies, whatever their health. That includes a parent who already lives in a nursing home.
Protected from spend down
Medicaid does not count the money, up to your state's limit. Limits differ by state. Nebraska allows up to $6,696. Iowa requires an itemized list of funeral costs for amounts over $13,125.
It moves with you
The trust is portable. If you move to another state, your plan goes with you.
Fast access for your family
The money goes to pay for the funeral without waiting on probate.
How to Set Up Your Funeral Trust in 4 Steps
Funeral trusts are not sold online. Every plan starts with a conversation.
1. Book a free call
Pick a time on my calendar or call 402-769-2485.
2. Review your situation
We go over your state's Medicaid limit and what a funeral costs where you live.
3. Choose your amount
You decide how much to set aside for your funeral.
4. Sign and fund
We complete the paperwork together by phone or in person.
Serving Families in 48 States
I help families by phone in every state except Michigan and New York. If you live in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, we can meet in person.
Many of my clients are adult children planning for a parent. You can book the first call yourself and bring your mom or dad into the next one.
What Families Say
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Mary K.
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Julie, Nebraska
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Mark and Lisa, Iowa
Irrevocable Funeral Trust FAQs
Is an irrevocable funeral trust exempt from Medicaid?
In most states, yes, up to a state limit. Medicaid does not count money you cannot take back. Limits vary, so confirm your state's rules before you buy.
Can I buy a funeral trust if my parent is already in a nursing home?
Yes. There are no health questions. Many families set one up during the Medicaid spend down.
Can I cancel an irrevocable funeral trust?
No. Irrevocable means the money stays in the trust for funeral costs. That is the reason Medicaid does not count it.
Can I buy a funeral trust online?
No. Every plan is set up by phone or in person with a licensed agent. Book a call to get started.
What happens if I move to another state?
The trust goes with you. Your plan stays in place.
Plan Your Funeral Trust Today
One short call shows you your state's limit and what a trust would cover. There is no cost and no obligation.
Funeral Trust Gal is part of the Aging Parent Resource Center.
Sara Guida is a licensed insurance agent, not an attorney, and does not represent any state Medicaid agency. Content on this site is general education, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules and funeral trust limits vary by state.