For Elder Law Attorneys, Caseworkers and Care Teams

Irrevocable prepaid cremation and funeral plans for clients going through a Medicaid spend-down, with an itemized contract and every price posted.

Google
5.0
1,000+ five-star reviews on Google
A signed prepaid plan with a gold seal and a fountain pen on a linen-covered table
IRREVOCABLE CREMATION PLANS FROM
$997
Itemized contract. Prices posted. Se habla español.
In-person arrangements: 3521 N. Pulaski Rd. · Get directions
IRREVOCABLE PLANS Cremation, funeral and burial
ITEMIZED CONTRACT Every service and price listed
POWER OF ATTORNEY We work with the family and POA
PRICES POSTED Every package, line by line

How our plans fit a Medicaid spend-down

Our prepaid plans are funded through a life insurance policy with Funeral Directors Life, an insurance company that specializes in funeral pre-planning. The money isn’t held by Caring Cremations.

Under the Illinois Public Aid Code (305 ILCS 5/3-1.2), a prepaid, guaranteed-price funeral contract funded by an irrevocable assignment of a life insurance policy is exempt when eligibility is determined. The exemption is limited to the insurance benefit designated for the funeral goods and services, and the contract has to describe those goods, services and prices in full.

That’s why our contracts are itemized. Every service and item is listed with its price, so nothing is left undescribed.

  • Irrevocable plans for cremation, funeral and burial
  • An itemized contract for the caseworker
  • Plans set up by phone, online or at our Irving Park funeral home
  • Spanish-speaking staff

We’re funeral professionals, not attorneys, and Medicaid rules change. We explain how our plans work; eligibility questions belong with the caseworker or an elder law attorney.

How a referral works

Three steps. The family can do all of it from home.

A laptop on a kitchen table beside a cup of coffee and reading glasses

You refer the family

Send the form below, call us, or give the family our number. We can work with the person who holds power of attorney.

A signed prepaid plan with a gold seal and a fountain pen on a linen-covered table

We go over the choices

A funeral director walks the family through the packages and every price, by phone, online or at our Irving Park funeral home.

A sealed envelope with a gold wax seal leaning on a framed family photo beside a small plant

The plan is set up

The plan is funded through Funeral Directors Life, and we provide the itemized contract for the caseworker.

Prepaid prices at a glance

The same package prices as our funeral home, locked in when the plan is in place. Only government fees, like the cremation permit and death certificates, can change.

Cremation plans
PACKAGES
Direct Cremation $997
Water Cremation Flameless, using water instead of flame $1,897
Family Farewell One hour of private family viewing first $1,997
Cremation with Memorial Service $2,500
Remembrance Stones About 40 to 80 stones instead of ashes $2,997
Cremation with Visitation $4,950
ADDED TO EVERY CREMATION PLAN
County cremation permit $200
Cremation container Midway cremation casket $745, simple bamboo container $995 from $160
Immediate need transportation $295
Sales tax on merchandise 10.25%
OPTIONAL
Urns from $25
Keepsake urns and jewelry from $55
Register book; prayer cards (50) $75; $150
Expedited cremation $150
Certified death certificates $20 for each additional copy $40
Funeral and burial plans
PACKAGES
Direct Burial Graveside service, no visitation $2,500
Family Gathering One-hour viewing, then graveside service $4,950
Traditional Funeral Four-hour visitation, then graveside service $5,550
MERCHANDISE
Caskets from $1,297
Cement grave liner $795
Sales tax on the casket and outer burial container 10.25%
NOT INCLUDED
Cemetery charges The grave, opening and closing, and any marker Set by the cemetery

Example: a prepaid Direct Cremation with a temporary urn comes to $1,695.96, tax included. Families can see any plan line by line in our online planners for cremation and funeral and burial.

Refer a client or ask a question

We’ll reply by email or phone. Please leave out Social Security numbers, account numbers and medical details.

Rather talk? Call (773) 866-2273, any hour.

Questions from professionals

Are your prepaid plans irrevocable?

Irrevocable plans are available, and they’re what families usually choose for a Medicaid spend-down. Revocable plans are available for families who aren’t applying for Medicaid.

Where are the funds held?

In a life insurance policy from Funeral Directors Life, an insurance company that specializes in funeral pre-planning. The funds aren’t held by Caring Cremations.

Is there a dollar limit?

For a guaranteed-price contract funded by an irrevocable assignment of life insurance, Illinois limits the exemption to the insurance benefit designated for the funeral goods and services, rather than setting a fixed dollar cap (305 ILCS 5/3-1.2). Irrevocable contracts funded other ways have a dollar limit that’s adjusted each year. Please confirm current figures with the caseworker.

Can a plan be set up for someone already in a nursing home?

Yes. Many of our Medicaid plans are arranged by an adult child for a parent who is moving into, or already living in, a nursing home. We’ll work with both of them, and with whoever holds power of attorney.

What if the client moves?

The plan is funded by a life insurance policy, so it isn’t lost if they move. It can be transferred to a funeral home near the new home.

Do you give legal or Medicaid advice?

We’re funeral professionals, not attorneys, and Medicaid rules change. We’ll explain how our plans work, and we recommend confirming each situation with the caseworker or an elder law attorney.

Do you help Spanish-speaking families?

Yes. Se habla español. Families can call us at (773) 866-2273, and our Spanish page is here.

For your clients

WHAT FAMILIES SAY

In Their Own Words

5.0 from more than 1,100 Google reviews
“Caring Cremations was so thorough in making arrangements ahead of time for the passing of my sister. Then when the time came, everything went smoothly. They attended to details in a timely fashion.”
M Monika L. Google review
“Caring Cremations was very easy to set up (I did it in advance). Prices were competitive. The documentation was all available via email. The people I worked with were respectful, punctual, kind and considerate.”
D Dorothy A. Google review
“…I found it easy to make pre-arrangements and even found an urn that perfectly reflected my dad’s personality. When the time came to actually have him cremated, Caring Cremations was easy to reach and responded quickly. It was easy for me to finish paying online.”
J Judy S. Google review
“…The owner, Milos, was so sympathetic and supportive, as I had a lot of questions beforehand. When it came time for the cremation, everything went as planned and we were very happy we had chosen them in advance.”
L Laura N. Google review
“…In each instance we have experienced clear, detailed information and most importantly sensitivity in very tough to navigate emotional situations. They offer various option for pre-planning which we used in 2 of the 3 instances. Highly recommend working with them.”
P Peggy M. Google review
“Every interaction with him or his staff was professional and compassionate. They made the process feel effortless. … Having prices posted on their website for the different services let me know what to expect for final cost.”
K Keena Google review
“I arranged everything online on their website with their very easy process. Prices were affordable. Great communication and prompt replies from Vivian. She’s professional, kind and compassionate.”
J Jennifer F. Google review

Swipe for more stories from families →

Have a client who needs a plan?

Call us any time, or send the form above. Calling doesn’t commit anyone to anything.

Se habla español. Llámenos al (773) 866-2273.

Our Chicago funeral home

Most families arrange everything online or by phone, and we answer 24 hours a day. When you’d like to meet with us in person, or to pick up your loved one’s cremated remains, come to our funeral home in Irving Park.

Caring Cremations – Irving Park

FUNERAL HOME AND ARRANGEMENT OFFICE
3521 N. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL 60641
Cremated remains are picked up here. If you can’t come in person, ask us about secure shipping.
Get directions
Map of Chicago showing Caring Cremations in the Loop, in Sauganash and at the funeral home at 3521 N. Pulaski Rd. in Irving Park, where cremated remains are picked up

We also have offices in the Loop and Sauganash, shown on the map. Meetings and pickups are at our Pulaski Road funeral home.