How to Get Free or Low-Cost Cremation in Indiana Through Medicaid
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Time to read 12 min
Table of contents
Can I Get a Free Cremation in Indiana? What Families Need to Know Yes, Many Indiana Families Qualify for Free Cremation with Medicaid What’s Included in Our Cremation Package Who Qualifies for Medicaid Burial Assistance in Indiana? Medicaid Programs That Qualify: When Might There Be Additional Costs? What If I Don’t Live Near Your Jeffersonville, IN Crematory? Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Cremation Why Families Choose Magnolia Cremations
TL;DR: How to Get Free Cremation in Indiana Through Medicaid
Yes, many families in Indiana qualify for free or low-cost cremation through the state’s Medicaid Burial Assistance Program. If your loved one was enrolled in certain Medicaid categories at the time of death, you may be eligible for up to $1,200 in coverage.
✅ What’s covered:
- Direct cremation
- Transportation of your loved one into our care
- Filing of paperwork and death certificates
- Cremation container and temporary urn
✅ What to do next:
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We’ll check with the state to see if your loved one qualifies. Just provide the needed information below
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Magnolia confirms eligibility and files everything with the state
- No upfront payment required, Medicaid pays Magnolia directly
Even if you're unsure whether your loved one is qualified, Magnolia can help you find out in less than an hour, at no cost to you.
If you're looking for more detail, including exactly who qualifies, how the Medicaid process works, and how to avoid unexpected costs, keep reading. This guide will walk you through everything step by step, with clear answers and compassionate guidance from our licensed professionals.
Can I Get a Free Cremation in Indiana? What Families Need to Know
If you're looking for a simple, low-cost, or even free cremation in Indiana through Medicaid, you're not alone. Many families are facing tough financial situations while trying to honor a loved one with dignity and care.
At Magnolia Cremations, we understand how overwhelming it can be, especially if you're navigating Medicaid, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Social Security, or end-of-life decisions for the first time. That’s why we’ve created this clear, compassionate guide to help you understand exactly what’s available and how we can help.
For immediate eligibility help, visit our Indiana Medicaid Assistance page.
Yes, Many Indiana Families Qualify for Free Cremation with Medicaid
Through the Indiana Burial Assistance Program, the state provides a $1,200 benefit that can be applied toward end-of-life services like cremation. If your loved one was enrolled in certain Indiana Medicaid programs, cremation may be fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
At Magnolia Cremations, we proudly accept this payment, and in most cases, it covers 100% of our cremation services because we have no hidden fees and no surprises.
Unfortunately, most funeral homes and cremation providers in Indiana do not accept Medicaid. Why?
- Delayed payment: Medicaid reimbursements are often delayed by 60 to 120 days. Many providers outsource cremation and have to pay third-party crematories and transport services upfront, making the wait financially difficult.
- Insufficient coverage: While the state offers $1,200, the average cost of cremation in Indiana as of 2025 is now around $2,295. Many providers simply aren’t willing to accept less when they can charge more.
This leaves many families either completely turned away or asked to pay the full amount out of pocket, even if they would qualify for assistance.
At Magnolia, we do things differently. Our team works directly with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) on your behalf to verify eligibility, handle the paperwork, and ensure everything is submitted correctly, so you can focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one with peace and dignity.
See if you qualify right now. Use our free eligibility check; most families pay nothing out of pocket.
What’s Covered by Medicaid
Our affordable direct cremation service, starting at $895, includes everything your family needs and is typically fully covered by Medicaid.
Here’s what’s included:
- Free Eligibility Check. We’ll confirm whether your loved one qualifies for Indiana Medicaid burial assistance at no cost to you, so there’s no guesswork or delays.
- Compassionate transfer of your loved one into our care, anywhere within a 50-mile radius of our crematory in Jeffersonville, IN
- Note: If your loved one is more than 50 miles from our crematory in Jeffersonville, IN, a small transportation fee may apply. In most cases, this is still fully covered by Indiana’s $1,200 Medicaid benefit. For families in more distant cities, like Fort Wayne, South Bend, Hammond, Valparaiso, Gary, or East Chicago, total costs may slightly exceed the benefit. However, any out-of-pocket difference is usually small, typically $250 or less, the closer you are to our crematory.
- If you’d like to get your exact cremation cost based on your location and any optional services, we encourage you to try our Cremation Cost Calculator. It’s free, fast, and completely transparent.
- Filing of all required paperwork and death certificates on your behalf
- A required cremation container and temporary urn
- Unlimited access to our team of Family Care Advisors, available whenever you have questions or need support, day or night
- Guidance through the entire Medicaid process
Because our direct cremation price starts at $895, the remaining Medicaid benefit can often be applied to cover:
- Extra copies of the death certificate
- Memorial urns or keepsakes
- Additional transportation fees (for mileage beyond the included 50-mile radius)
Even families located outside the 50-mile radius of Jeffersonville typically have Medicaid funds left over after transportation is factored in. For example, a direct cremation for someone from Indianapolis, including added mileage, starts at just $1,045, which is still well within the $1,200 Medicaid benefit.
This means families often have extra room in their benefits to apply toward practical items or meaningful memorial keepsakes, without needing to pay much, if anything, out of pocket.
Know exactly what’s covered. Try our Cremation Cost Calculator to see your family’s cost (often $0 with Medicaid).
Who Qualifies for Medicaid Burial Assistance in Indiana?
If your loved one is a resident of Indiana, and was enrolled in one of the qualifying Medicaid categories at the time of their passing, they may be eligible for this benefit:
Medicaid Programs That Qualify:
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MA A – Medicaid Aged
For individuals aged 65 and older who meet income and resource limits.
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MA D – Medicaid Disabled
For individuals under 65 with a qualifying disability as defined by Social Security Administration standards.
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MADW – Medicaid for Disabled Workers
Also known as M.E.D. Works. For individuals with disabilities who are working and meet income limits.
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MAB – Medicaid Blind
For individuals who meet the state’s criteria for blindness.
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MASI – Medicaid for SSI Recipients (or SSI-Related)
Covers individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income or those with similar disability status and income levels.
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MAR – Medicaid for Residents in Residential Care Facilities
Provides assistance for individuals living in licensed residential care settings who meet eligibility criteria.
When you work with Magnolia Cremations, we confirm eligibility and handle all paperwork on your behalf for the burial assistance claim, so you don’t have to navigate that alone.
💡 Important to Know: The benefit is paid by the state of Indiana directly to Magnolia Cremations, not to the family.
When Might There Be Additional Costs?
As we mentioned earlier in this article, most families who choose Magnolia do not pay anything out of pocket when receiving cremation cost assistance in Indiana via Medicaid. However, there are rare situations where costs might slightly exceed the $1,200 benefit amount:
- Remote locations (e.g., Valparaiso, South Bend, Gary, Hammond, etc.) may require additional transportation fees
- Optional add-ons, such as a private family viewing, memorial jewelry, or additional death certificates
Even in these cases, our goal is always to minimize costs and provide honest, upfront pricing so you’re never caught off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free or Low-Cost Cremation in Indiana
Does Medicaid pay for cremation in Indiana?
✅ Yes, Indiana Medicaid may cover up to $1,200 toward cremation costs through the state’s Burial Assistance Program if your loved one was enrolled in an eligible Medicaid category.
If you think your loved one may qualify, visit our Indiana Medicaid Assistance page.
We’ll contact the state on your behalf to verify eligibility, guide you through your options, and assist you in accessing the available benefits.
Can I get free cremation in Indiana?
Yes, in certain cases, cremation may be provided at no cost in Indiana through Medicaid-funded assistance programs for qualifying individuals.
If you're facing the loss of a loved one and are concerned about affordability, you're not alone. Many Indiana families turn to public burial assistance, and free cremation may be an option, especially if the deceased:
Was enrolled in Medicaid (especially in categories like Aged, Disabled, Blind, or SSI)
Had no assets, savings, or property
Had no income or financial support at the time of passing
💡 This support is part of Indiana’s Burial Assistance Program and can cover up to $1,200 for cremation costs, often enough for full coverage of a simple, direct cremation.
A licensed funeral home or cremation provider has to submit the state application (State Form 35937). Families cannot apply directly, and the state does not send reimbursements to individuals.
What should I do if I think we qualify?
Start by speaking with a licensed cremation provider. At Magnolia Cremations, we:
Check Medicaid eligibility for you
Submit all required paperwork
Guide you with compassion, no hidden fees, ever
And we do all of this at no cost to the family.
Which funeral homes accept Indiana Medicaid for cremation?
Most funeral homes in Indiana do not accept Medicaid for cremation services, but Magnolia Cremations does.
If your loved one was enrolled in an eligible Indiana Medicaid program, the state’s Burial Assistance Program may provide up to $1,200 toward end-of-life expenses like direct cremation. In many cases, with Magnolia Cremations, this benefit will act as full payment, with no out-of-pocket cost to the family.
Why don’t most providers accept Medicaid?
Many Indiana funeral homes and cremation services decline Medicaid cases, and here’s why:
Delayed reimbursement: Payments from the state can take 60 to 120 days, and many providers can’t afford to wait, especially if they outsource cremation to third parties.
Insufficient coverage: The $1,200 often doesn’t cover their higher-priced packages, so they either decline service or require full payment upfront.
As a result, grieving families may be turned away, even when they qualify for assistance.
At Magnolia Cremations, we believe everyone deserves a dignified farewell, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we’re proud to be one of the few cremation providers in Indiana who accept Medicaid, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and compassionate care every step of the way.
How do I apply for cremation assistance in Indiana?
If you’re facing the loss of a loved one and are unsure how to afford cremation, Indiana’s Burial Assistance Program may help cover the cost, and Magnolia Cremations makes the process simple and stress-free.
We’ll confirm eligibility for you, handle the paperwork, and work directly with the state, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
How the Medicaid Cremation Assistance Process Works
Step 1: We Verify Medicaid Eligibility
To begin, simply visit our Indiana Medicaid Assistance page to provide us with your loved one’s:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number
We’ll contact Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) on your behalf to confirm whether your loved one qualifies.
Step 2: We Handle All the Paperwork
Once eligibility is confirmed:
Magnolia Cremations completes and files all Medicaid claim forms
There’s no charge to your family for this service
You’ll be kept informed every step of the way
Step 3: Medicaid Pays Us Directly with No Upfront Costs
If approved:
Medicaid sends payment directly to us
If there is no balance, no upfront payment is required from your family
Even though state reimbursement processing can take 60–120 days, Magnolia waits for the reimbursement so that you don’t have to, and the cremation process for your loved one can begin.
Does Social Security help pay for cremation?
This is a very common question, and an area full of confusion for most families.
The short answer? No, Social Security does not pay for funeral or cremation services.
However, Social Security does offer a one-time death benefit of $255, which:
Is only paid to a surviving spouse or dependent child
Must be claimed through the local Social Security office
Is not sent to the funeral home
It’s a helpful support, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to cover cremation costs on its own.
Can I use Medicaid cremation benefits for extras like urns or death certificates?
Yes, at Magnolia, if costs are under $1,200, the remaining funds can cover memorial items or extra death certificates.
How long does it take to receive Medicaid cremation assistance in Indiana?
Payments may take 60–120 days to process, but Magnolia accepts Medicaid directly from the state and waits for the reimbursement, so families have little to no upfront cost.
What if we don’t live near your Jeffersonville, IN crematory? Can Magnolia still help us?
While our family-owned crematory is in Jeffersonville, IN, we provide affordable statewide cremation services to families across Indiana. If you’re outside the included 50-mile radius in our $895 cremation price, a small additional transportation fee will apply. Still, we’ll always be transparent about those costs and work to keep them as low as possible.
You can always use our free Cremation Cost Calculator to get an exact price based on your location and service preferences.
If you're unsure whether we can help in your area, don’t be. If your loved one is located anywhere in the state of Indiana, we’ve got you covered.
Why Families Choose Magnolia Cremations
- We’re one of the few providers in Indiana who work directly with Medicaid and accept it as payment.
- Our pricing is transparent, affordable, and compassionate with no hidden fees.
- We offer personalized support to every family, from first interaction to final farewell.
- Because you deserve dignity without debt. We believe finances should never prevent a respectful farewell.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, And You Deserve Dignity, Not Debt
Planning a cremation under financial stress is incredibly difficult, but there is help, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Magnolia Cremations, we’ve helped thousands of Indiana families receive free or low-cost cremation with dignity and transparency.
About the Author: Aaron Scott
Aaron Scott is Vice President of Scott Family Services, the parent company of Magnolia Cremations, and a licensed funeral director in Indiana (#FD21100032) and Kentucky (#6880). A native of Jeffersonville, Indiana, Aaron graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1999, earned his Bachelor of Science from Murray State University in 2003, and completed his funeral service training at Mid-America College in 2005.
Aaron currently serves as Clark County Coroner and holds a leadership role as District 8 Director on the Indiana Funeral Directors Association Board. He brings nearly 20 years of experience to his role, blending professional expertise with a genuine passion for serving others.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife Alanna, their two children, Cora and Andrew, and their loyal dog Stanley. His commitment to excellence and community care continues to shape the future of funeral service in Southern Indiana and beyond.
Author bio accurate as of September 2025
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Verification available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST. Excludes weekends and holidays.
Our team is now contacting the Indiana Medicaid office to confirm eligibility. You will receive a text and email update as soon as verification is complete, usually within 60 minutes during business hours.
If you have any questions in the meantime,
please call us at 812-913-0044. We’re here to help.
Once verified, you’ll receive your approval code to use when planning cremation services online. The code will automatically apply up to $1,200 in benefits