Q. My wife and I have just relocated to the Clarkston area from another state where we had made advance funeral plans for ourselves as well as paid for them at that time. My concern is that now that we’re in a different state, will the funeral insurance policy we have ‘follow? us here? Tom P., Michigan
A. Rest easy, your insurance policy to fund your advance plans will follow you to any place you move. That is surely one of the benefits of advance planning and funding, it doesn’t matter where you go, your policy is portable and thus, assignable to another funeral home at the time of need.
Good question, thanks for asking, it comes up in advance planning conversations quite often.
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Q. How does a person go about reserving one of the ‘side by side? gravesites in the Great Lakes Veterans? Cemetery in Holly? I’ve heard different stories and figure you probably know for sure. George W., Clarkston
A. There are two different ways veterans, and their spouses, can be buried side by side at a national cemetery (providing a side by side section is available), including great lakes national cemetery in Holly. Gravesites cannot be reserved in advance, however, they are on a ‘first come, first serve basis.?
If both spouses are veterans, side by side sites can be chosen at such time one of them passes away. The other way to secure a side by side arrangement is to privately purchase your vaults.
The government provides grave liners at no charge to veterans and their spouses, but, if you opt to use a privately purchased vault, the government will reimburse you a standard amount. You would also be responsible for the vault company’s installation fee and that is generally very close to the reimbursement fee you would receive.
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Q. What is the best way to pay for funeral plans in advance. I have 3 small policies that I pay on and that is what I am intending to use to pay my final expenses. Is this a good way to prepare for that expense? Jan S., Holly
A. Well, Jan, that is a great question to ask. Have you checked lately to see what today’s costs are for the specific funeral services and merchandise you want to have for yourself?
I’d say come in as soon as possible to do just that, because, one lady I recently worked with was utterly shocked to learn that her current insurance coverage expired in two years. They were term policies and could not be renewed, therefore, they would eventually be rendered useless.
She cancelled them and purchased a pre-need policy that will cover her no matter how long she lives and in addition, she secured an inflation proof guarantee??? at the time of her death?..her family will not have to pay a penny more!! She chose a time payment plan which was about the same as she was paying toward the policies that were scheduled to expire in coverage. Win, win, win, don’t you think?
Thanks, Clarkston News readers for your response to this column, I trust the answers are a help to you. Please keep your questions coming to Connie Glynn, director of family services, c/o Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, Mi 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com to the attention of Connie Glynn.

Q. My husband is an honorably discharged veteran. There seems to be some discrepancy regarding his eligibility requirements toward free burial benefits at the National Cemetery that perhaps you can clarify for us.
He never was overseas and he didn’t serve during a wartime period. Can he still be buried in a national cemetery and receive all the benefits of someone who did serve during war and / or overseas? Jean N., Ortonville
A. The good news is; unequivocally, absolutely, undeniably, certainly, 100 percent YES! Our funeral home has the privilege of serving the families of many veterans?..this is a topic that I assist clients with on a weekly basis. I’m very happy to report that if a veteran has an honorable discharge he/she (and spouse) is eligible to receive the reward of this tremendously valuable benefit for serving our country.
I say God bless you and a HUGE ‘thank you so much.? It is important to note that although the National Cemetery can be relied upon at the time of death of a Veteran, you cannot make any plans with the cemetery in advance.
Therefore I encourage all Veterans, and their spouses, to schedule time to visit with me so appropriate planning can be confidentially secured at our funeral home, as well we can place a copy of the Veterans Discharge Papers (DD-214) within that file.
As a side note-if a veteran has an ‘other than honorable? discharge, they, too, may be eligible for burial benefits, but, those are considered on a case by case basis. It would be a good plan to have that settled well in advance! The toll-free number at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly is 866-348-8603.
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Q. With all the economic upheaval and sacrifices being made at GM just to stay in business, my wife and I are among the latest victims of benefit cuts. Our life insurance is now gone, well, actually quite reduced. Probably like a lot of retirees, that is what we’d planned to use for our funeral expenses. What would you recommend in light of our circumstances? Sadly there are likely many others in the same predicament. Charles P., Clarkston
A. Please accept my sincere empathy. Loss is loss and I think we are all saddened and in shock over the cuts retirees are experiencing and unfortunately we may not have seen the last of them either.
Like so many families, mine among them, has been connected to GM in a big way, generationally speaking. Both my parents worked for GM as did both of my grandfathers, uncles, aunts, cousins and my former husband. What I’d like to suggest to you is the same thing I suggested to a co-worker who, like you, has experienced this same loss.
My recommendation would be for you to schedule time to visit with me at the funeral home. You are on the right path in acknowledging your need to replace what you had with respect to your insurance?’now you just need to move forward with your intentions.
Our funeral home offers specific funeral related insurance and the unique function of our coverage is that it provides the insured with a price guarantee to offset future inflation. In addition, payment plans are available.
I love the questions. They are what makes this column work. Please continue to send them: Attn: Connie, Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346 or email them to connieglynn@comcast.net with ‘Wint Funeral Home? in the subject line.

Q. I watched a documentary about how people have been ‘robbed? more or less after pre-paying for their funerals. Before I watched it I was considering advance funeral planning for myself, but, now I’m not so sure. Can you shed any light on this subject? I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw this or has doubts now about what seems like such a good idea. How can I be assured that my money is safe at Wint’s? J.B., Clarkston
A. Excellent subject! I’ll be happy to clear that up for you and others who may have seen the show. In Michigan it is against the law for a funeral director to hold money for a pre-arranged funeral in their general account. Any monies received for the purpose of advance planning must be placed with an approved third party investment institution.
Wint Funeral Home has been in this community since 1959, we are proud of our name, reputation and accountability we have demonstrated for years in the proper investment / management of our invested monies. When we pre-fund a funeral / cremation arrangement; the money is sent to the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (which is audited on an annual basis) or it is placed in an insurance policy. They in turn place that money in investment accounts where it is guaranteed to grow. The money is safe and at Wint, you are, too. Let’s make that appointment today!
Q. My dad is probably going to go on Medicaid soon. There is about $20,000 remaining in his account right now. Is there anything he can give to his kids? C.C., Davisburg
A. In addition to purchasing his own funeral arrangements, your dad can also purchase ‘grave space items? for his spouse if he has one, his children and their spouses, siblings and their spouses. Grave space items include anything that goes to the gravesite, i.e., grave, grave opening & closing, monument, casket, vault, flowers and the cost of clergy. Gravespace items are considered non-countable assests for Medicaid purposes.
Q. Five years ago I made pre-arrangements and pre-paid them. My husband was being treated for cancer then and was not eligible for time payments and we couldn’t write a check for the entire amount. I can’t remember what the waiting period was for payment eligibility and perhaps it’s been changed since then, too. What is the time period someone has to have as ‘clean health? ( he is now) to be able to pay over time? L.T., Waterford
A. The health question on our insurance applications asks if you ‘are being treated? or ‘have you been treated? within the last two years for’and then lists several different conditions. If you can answer ‘no?, you are eligible to take advantage of one of three convenient, budget friendly payment plans. Congratulations to you and your husband, let’s talk and get this done!
**Important notice-a new advance funding process will soon be available to Michigan consumers who are not eligible, via health, for conventional time pay funeral insurance but would still like to make structured monthly payments while benefiting from a guaranteed price agreement.** Please contact me for more information regarding this option.
Please keep your questions coming to Connie Glynn, director of family services, c/o Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail wintfuneralhome@aol.com.

As promised folks, this month’s edition of Wint’s Word on Advance Funeral Planning is going to change from the normal reader questions and answer forum that you are used to, but is still questions and answers-just of a different sort.
I did tell you last month I was going to try to have the results of the Direct Mail Survey we conducted during all of 2008 and thanks to my husband, Pat, I’ve achieved them through the Excel Program on my computer. He’s a smart and helpful guy.
We mailed to five zip codes in the area, 48346, 48348, 48329, 48462 and 48350.
If you participated in it and returned the survey to us, please accept our thanks, it helps us to find the ‘heartbeat? if you will, of the individuals and families we serve. We greatly appreciate you taking those few moments of your time to help us in this endeavor.
SURVEY SAID-
Question # 1.
How old are you? 2.3 percent of respondents are age 25-40; 52.9 percent are age 41-65 and 44.8 percent are 66 or older.
Question # 2.
Are you currently? 30.5 percent are employed; 68.2 percent are retired and 1.3 percent did not respond.
Question # 3.
Have you ever been responsible for making funeral arrangements? 77.2 percent replied yes; 22.8 responded no to that question.
Question # 4.
If you have given any thought to the subject, which of the following would you choose for yourself? 53.2 percent would choose burial while 43.1 percent would choose cremation and 3.7 percent did not have a choice.
Question # 5.
How much might you expect to pay for a funeral? 5.3 percent said under $4,000; 54.9 percent said between $4 & $6,000; 28 percent said between $6 & $8,000 and the other 11.8 percent said over $8,000.
Question # 6.
Do you own cemetery property? 53.5 percent said they do and 46.5 percent responded-no, they do not own cemetery property.
Question # 7.
In the event of your death, who would be responsible for making the arrangements? 52.9 percent said their spouse; 28.8 said their children; 13.9 percent said another family member while 4.4 percent said someone other than a family member.
Question # 8.
Do your loved ones know what you would want them to choose for you? 80 percent said yes they would know; 20 percent said they would not know.
Question # 9.
Are you aware that guaranteed pre-paid funeral plans exist? 84.7 percent said yes; 15.3 percent said no.
Question # 10.
Would you like free information about funeral planning, the types of services available and how you can save money by planning ahead? 2 percent did not answer the question; 64.1 said no and 33.9 percent said yes.
I’ll leave you with this question ? have you planned for everything? If not, let’s get together and begin that journey of peace of mind so there is not one grieving family left to make arrangements for their loved one. It is, after all, one of the most loving of gifts you can ever give.
Merry Christmas everyone and a blessed new year is hoped for all!
? Connie Glynn

Q. I am an honorably discharged Marine. My wife and I are planning to use Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly as our final resting place. If we buy our own sealing-vaults instead of using the non-sealing ones provided by VA, how much will the re-imbursement be? Thank you.
F. L., Waterford
A. Great question, F.L.! I answered a very similar question for another couple earlier in the year, so thanks for giving me something easy!
The Veterans Administration does have an allowance for privately purchased graveliners or vaults. Here is an explanation of how the VA determines that amount: The average cost of government-furnished graveliners is determined by taking the VA’s total cost during a fiscal year for single-depth graveliners procured for placement at the time of interment and dividing it by the total number of such graveliners procured by the VA during that fiscal year.
The calculation excludes both graveliners procured and pre-placed in gravesites as part of cemetery gravesite-development projects and all double-depth graveliners. Using this method of computation, the average cost was determined to be $201 for fiscal year 2007.
The administrative costs incurred by the VA consist of those that relate to processing and paying an allowance in lieu of the government-furnished graveliner. These costs were determined to be $9 for calendar year 2008, therefore, the allowance this year is $192, an entry-level sealing vault is currently priced at $1,240.
Q. My mother is in a nursing home. She has been paying privately, but I am worried she is going to outlive her money. If Medicaid becomes her future what ways can her money be spent prior to Medicaid that is acceptable to them?
M. G., Davisburg
A. So many are asking this question these days. One of the ‘non-countable? assets a Medicaid recipient can own is a pre-paid, irrevocable funeral contract for services and merchandise. Medicaid also allows your mother to purchase ‘Burial Space Items? for her children, siblings, as well as each of their respective spouses. Burial space items consist of anything pertaining to place of interment, to include; Casket, Outer Burial Container or Vault, Monument or Marker, Opening & Closing Costs, Flowers, as well as the Grave Plot itself.
Q. Relatives of mine pre-arranged their funeral plans quite a number of years ago and paid for them. I recently discovered that the price they paid then was so much less than what it costs today. I wish I had listened to them when they said I should do it, too. I’m 70 now, is it still a good idea for me to pre-pay these expenses?
R.B., Clarkston
A. I have good news, it’s not too late! You can still pre-arrange and pre-fund, therefore, locking in today’s prices, because one thing is sure, they will increase in the future. In fact, it generally holds true that funeral service doubles in price about every 10 years or so. I’m guessing that was proven true to you. Call me today and we will put a plan in place so in 10 years you won’t be looking back and wishing again you’d done what you know now to be economically smart. There are budget conscious ways to do this that won’t break the bank, I promise you.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I hope the answers are a help to you. Please keep your questions coming to Connie Glynn, Director of Family Services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com to my attention. God Bless.

Q. How much would my husband and I save if we were buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery rather than where my folks are here in Clarkston? He thinks it isn’t much but I’ve heard it’s quite a lot. Also, how much could we save on our funeral arrangements at your funeral home? Mrs. R.; Clarkston
A. Interesting questions, Mrs. R, thank you. Your savings would depend on which cemetery you would select in Clarkston. Some cemeteries offer discounts if you are citizens of the township or the city of Pontiac. Generally speaking, savings could potentially range between $4,000 and $6,000!
Great Lakes National Cemetery provides everything for honorably discharged Veterans, the grave lots, the opening and closing of the graves, the burial liners and the headstone. You can also experience significant savings at Wint Funeral Home when you plan and pay in advance.
A prepaid funeral agreement is guaranteed against future inflation. It could just be the best investment anyone can make in this economy. I do hope you’ll call for an appointment to explore ALL the benefits and options available to you.
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Q. I want to make arrangements for myself since I’m not married and have no children. What would I need to bring with me and how long would I need to be at the funeral home? I can’t say I’m excited about the idea of coming in to do that, nothing against the funeral home, it is beautiful. I have mobility problems and it can sometimes be an issue. M.T.; Ortonville
A. I understand. If it is more convenient for you we can meet in the comfort of your own home. Approximately one to two hours should be set aside.
If you are a veteran of the US armed services and would like military honors or burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery, a copy of your DD214 (discharge papers), vital statistical information, obituary / biographical data and anything else you’d like to include, a photo, perhaps a favorite Scripture passage or poem, a list of songs and any other confidential details you would like secured within your file.
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Q. Why would anyone plan and pay for a funeral they may not need for years to come?! L.G., Brandon Twp.
A. I’m so glad you asked! I think peace of mind is at the top of the short list for most who pre-arrange their own funerals. They care so much for the loved ones they will leave behind they never want to impose on them the daunting responsibility of making so many important decisions in the midst of such emotional distress.
Secondly, sound financial planning and decision making are key for many people and perhaps more so at this time in our economic history than ever before. Not only are funeral service and merchandise costs guaranteed against inflation, but the advance planning investment is also guaranteed to grow in value! And last, but, not least, the funds are considered an exempt asset when applying for Medicaid or SSI benefits.
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Thanks, Clarkston News readers. Please keep those questions coming to: Connie Glynn, Director of Family Services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com, “attention Connie” in the subject line.

By Connie Glynn

Q. I live in the area and received a survey recently from Wint’s about funeral pre-planning. I’ve already completed my arrangements at Wint’s and now I’m confused about the status of my pre-arrangement.
Is my plan secure and can you explain why you would send me a survey about something I’ve already taken care of? Mrs. P., Clarkston
A. Mrs. P, first and foremost, you can be assured that your pre-arrangement is secure at Wint Funeral Home. We feel an obligation to create awareness with respect to the benefits of advance funeral planning, we invite our community to take the same measures as you.
It is in that spirit that we use a direct mail firm that ‘bulk? mails our surveys to all residents meeting certain specific criteria, i.e., zip code, age, marital status, etc. My hope is to use the surveys that were returned to us to put together an interesting ‘Survey Said? type of report showing the percentages of how people answered relative to the questions asked, so I hope you returned it! Thanks for a very good question.
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Q. My dad died some 20 years ago and was cremated in Florida where he lived at the time and we still have his cremated remains. He was an honorably discharged United States Veteran. My question is whether or not he can still be buried or put in the niche wall at Great Lakes National Cemetery? And if so, can my mother, who is still living, go there someday also? D. W., Columbiaville
A. Yes, to both of your questions. There is no time limit for interring cremated remains, you will just need to provide your father’s DD214 (Discharge Papers) at GLNC in Holly and they will take it from there.
Spouses of qualified veterans are eligible as well. You may contact the cemetery at 248-328-0495 or toll free at 800-348-8603.
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Q. What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare? My mom who is only 62 will need to go into a nursing home very soon and I’m not sure what I’ll need to do. P. C., Oakland County
A. Medicaid is a government health insurance program. Unlike Medicare (the other big government health insurance program ) to qualify for Medicaid a person must be of a certain age or disabled, as well they must meet strict financial eligibility requirements. The Medicaid program is a cooperative program through the federal and state government.
It is the federal government that establishes the broad guidelines, which are implemented by the state. In Michigan, the agency that administers the Medicaid program is the Department of Human Services (or DHS). I would urge you to contact the local DHS office and begin filling out the necessary paperwork for your mom. She will be assigned a caseworker and that worker will be able to instruct you on what steps you’ll need to take.
It is important to note that advance funded funeral plans are a non-countable asset under Michigan guidelines and thus; encouraged as a means of Medicaid qualification. I am ready to assist you in any way possible.
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Thanks readers, your questions are the heartbeat of this column, keep them coming to: Connie Glynn, Director of Family Services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com to my attention.

Q. When is the best time to make final plans for one’s family? I’d like to do it now, but my husband thinks we have lots of time and can wait. M. L., Waterford
A. I think lots of people believe that if they make final plans they’re soon to die. Obviously that is not true, just like buying homeowners? insurance doesn’t mean your house will burn down tomorrow. By acting now, you won’t have to worry about what could happen or about making hurried and expensive decisions when time has run out. It’s called peace of mind’and the good news’that ‘peace? is available to you TODAY. So, when is the best time to make your final plans? Right now! After all, none of us are promised tomorrow!
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Q. My domestic partner and I have a legal agreement for our properties, possessions, investments and even durable powers of attorney for one another. Both of us have agreed we’d like cremation as the means to dispose of our bodies and we have that included in our legal paperwork. While we think we have it covered, is there anything we need to do or know beyond all of this? K. T., No City Please
A. In the state of Michigan, for cremation to take place, the legal next of kin must sign a document consenting to cremation of the body. (In Michigan, domestic partners are not authorized to sign for cremation.) A spouse can sign for the other. In the absence of a spouse, the legal next of kin would be the parents, children or siblings and so on down the bloodline. As an additional example, dad dies and he and mom are divorced with four children. In this case, ALL four children are considered the next of kin and a majority must agree and sign for cremation. Without the majority agreeing, cremation cannot take place. For any final disposition scenario, by writing your wishes down in a confidential file here at the funeral home will help your next of kin to carry them out and likewise for your partner.
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Q. I have a pre-paid plan at your funeral home for my disabled daughter and now we are moving to another state. How will I be able to use this when it is needed from the state in which we will be living? C. M., Ortonville
A. Pre-paid funeral plans placed in a funeral insurance or funeral trust agreement are completely transferrable to funeral homes in any state. You will simply need to select a funeral home in your new area and consult with them about transferring your agreement to their firm.
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Thanks, Clarkston News readers’without your questions there wouldn’t be a column, so please keep them coming to: Connie Glynn, Director of Family Services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@ aol.com, ‘attention Connie? in the subject line.

Q. My parents have recently moved from Virginia to Florida. My folks have always been excellent planners and made their funeral pre-arrangements locally in Virginia quite a number of years ago and paid for them. Now that they’ve moved, will the arrangements still be good in Florida or will they be returned to Virginia when they pass?
Lynda W., Clarkston
A. Rest assured, your parents? funeral pre-arrangements are good anywhere in the country. Funeral pre-arrangements are funded in one of two ways, either through a trust agreement or a burial insurance policy. In each case, the advance plans and the money for them follows your parents wherever they go.
If they have grave spaces in Virginia, they can be sent back to the funeral home they made their advance plans through. If they choose to be buried in Florida, a local funeral director of their choice can handle the arrangements and draw from the insurance policy or trust to collect for services and merchandise rendered.
By funding their arrangements several years ago, your folks are not only excellent planners, they are very economically savvy as well. By freezing the price many years ago, they have saved thousands! Funeral service DOUBLES, approximately, every 10 years!! Good question, Lynda, this column is about education and you’ve just helped me get the word out, thanks!
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Q. Six years ago my brother passed away and was buried here in an area cemetery. His wife is now quite ill and would like to be buried in Great Lakes National Cemetery when she passes, (she was an Army nurse). The National cemetery wasn’t open yet when my brother died. Can she be buried there and can we have him moved to be with her?
Gene R., Ortonville
A. Yes, your sister-in-law can be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery as long as she has an honorable discharge from the Army. And yes, your brother can be moved there either prior to her passing or after. There will be additional costs involved. A funeral director must supervise the exhumation of your brother’s casket / vault and accompany it to Great Lakes, then witness the re-burial. The local cemetery will charge for opening and closing his grave again. Great Lakes National Cemetery is a beautiful cemetery in Holly, and I encourage all of my readers to visit it and find out just what a treasure we have right in our own backyard, it is a mini-Arlington. What a tremendous honor to our servicemen and women who have made such significant sacrifices for our freedoms, God Bless you!
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Q. Can a person just pre-plan what they’d like to have without paying? After my husband’s death my income is about half what it was. I am just not in a position to write a big check right now, even though I’d like to get everything taken care of so my kids won’t have this burden when I pass.
Betty K., Clarkston
A. I’m so sorry for your loss, Betty. Yes, you can make advance plans without pre-paying. That is called a ‘pre-arrangement.? During that process, you make your service and merchandise selections and I put together a confidential file for you here at the funeral home with all of your vital and historical information included as well. It doesn’t cost a red penny for this.
In fact, we wish everyone would put this kind of information on file. What a difference it makes in the lives of survivors! What many folks don’t know is that they don’t have to write one big check to take care of the pre-funding of their arrangements. We have plans that can be paid over 3, 5, or 10 years and future funeral home costs are guaranteed (and paid for) at today’s prices ~ a great hedge against inflation! And for payment plans, you need only your first premium to start your policy, a very small amount! Betty, don’t delay another day, there is no reason to!
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Send questions to Connie Glynn, director of family services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346, 248-625-5231 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com to the attention of Connie Glynn.

Q. My mother is getting on in years and is currently in a nursing home, paying privately. We believe she will have to go on Medicaid soon as her money will not last much longer. What ways can she spend some of her money prior to going on Medicaid that is acceptable to them?
Marie C., Davisburg
A. Excellent question, Marie, and one I might add many are asking. One of the “non-countable” assets a Medicaid recipient can own is a pre-paid, irrevocable funeral contract for services and merchandise. Medicaid also allows your mother to purchase ‘Burial Space Items? for her children, siblings, as well as each of their respective spouses. Burial space items consist of anything pertaining to place of interment, to include: casket, outer burial container or vault, monument or marker, opening and closing costs, flowers, as well as the grave plot itself.
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Q. A friend of mine said she recently pre-arranged her own funeral. Her husband died nine years ago and she was surprised to learn the same funeral her husband had then costs almost twice that today. Is that true everywhere or just where we live?
Clarkston resident
A. That is true everywhere. Funeral service and merchandise basically doubles every 10 years or so. That is the unfortunate news. The good news is that you have options and can do something about it! When someone pre-plans and funds their funeral arrangements, Mr. Wint commits to locking in those costs at today’s prices’even on payment plan options over time. Thus, your loved ones are spared any major financial surprises. Recently a major airline company locked in oil prices at $51 a barrel for a period of time. We all know what economical good sense that made.
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Q. How can a person know for sure they will be able to be cremated at the time of their death? By the way, thanks for a very informative column.
Les J., Clarkston
A. The best way to let your wishes be known is to make advance plans and have them placed in a confidential file here at Wint Funeral Home. Additionally, let your family members know your wishes as to what you’d like the final disposition of remains to be. Once secured, it would be my privilege to extend copies of your advanced funeral arrangements to family members so named. The State of Michigan law currently states that a majority of next-of-kin must sign a release to allow for cremation. It is quite rare that next-of kin would make plan changes if they’ve been pre-funded.

Q. We think our mother may have to go into a nursing home soon and apply for Medicaid. A neighbor told me that pre-planned, pre-paid funerals are Medicaid approved and won’t be counted against her, is this true? Mary B., Clarkston
A. It is true. The Department of Human Services sees pre-funded funeral arrangements as a non-countable asset toward Medicaid eligibility.
Also, in addition to your mother’s own pre-funded arrangements, her monies can secure ‘Burial Space Items? for each of her children, siblings, and their respective spouses as well.
These burial space contracts can include any and all merchandise that goes to the cemetery, to include; caskets, vaults, mausoleum and cremation niche spaces, grave plots, monuments and markers, flowers, and the opening & closing charges as well.
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Q. My wife and I heard that United States veterans have free burial benefits at a national cemetery.
Are those benefits just for the veterans who served in a war? Does this include the newest Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan?
A. If you are an honorably discharged veteran from active duty in any branch of the U.S. military, your burial benefits at a national cemetery are not only complimentary, they can save you many hundreds of dollars on your total funeral costs.
These benefits are not free ? you have earned them through sacrifices made to your country. Moreover, these same benefits not only apply to you, but also to your spouse and any dependent children ages 21 and under. Why not consider the honor of being remembered within such hallowed grounds?
For more information, Wint Funeral Home will be hosting a ‘Veterans Seminar on Thursday, May 15th at the American Legion Hall #172 on Ortonville Road (M-15) to discuss these benefits and how they apply. Hope to see you there.
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Q. Lately I’ve been considering pre-planning and paying for my funeral arrangements but I can’t pay for it all at one time. What, if any, options do I have?
A. Your options are numerous. Though many elect for one, single payment,’options are available for payments over a three, five or ten year span which are often more manageable.
Your costs are locked in at today’s rates while affording you time to pay on the plan of your choice. If necessary, arrangements can be made in increments to meet your needs accordingly.
For more information, call Connie at Wint Funeral Home, 248- 625-5231.