CREMATED REMAINS

We will hold cremated remains for a period of one (1) year.  If the remains are not claimed after the one (1) year we will dispose of them at our discretion.

DEATH CERTIFICATES

Certified copies of the Death Certificate are available from the El Paso Health Dept.  We can assist you in determining the number of certified copies needed and place the order with the state for you.  The Death Certificates may picked up and paid for at the El Paso County Health Dept., Div. of Vital Records, located at : 1675 Garden of the Gods Rd., by an authorized family member. (719-575-8495)

NOTE: Certificates may not be available for 5-10 days, usually.  If there is Coroner involvement it may take 6-9 months.

ID VIEWING/FAMILY CLOSURE VIEWING

An ID viewing is a brief visitation for the purpose of closure in the presence of an unembalmed body by a small number (3-6) of immediate family members for a maximum of one-half (1/2) hour. The remains will be bathed and presented in the container chosen by the family.  If a longer viewing, more family members (i.e. grandchildren, etc.), dressing is desired, or if an autopsy has been performed, embalming will be required per funeral home policy; the cost of which will be added to the overall statement of goods and services.

INSURANCE

We will file an assignment with an insurance company through a third party company; providing the insurance company verifies all information prior to services and all claims and assignments have been properly endorsed by the beneficiary.  The beneficiary will have to provide his/her Social Security Number, date of birth, place of birth, and the original policy.  The cemetery charges may be included provided the funds are available and verified in the policy.

MEDICAID

We will file Medicaid assistance claims provided a family member or family friend completes the application and provides any and all documents necessary as requested by DHS.  We will need to obtain an “Approval for Services” issued by DHS prior to services.  In the event that you decide not to disclose any Medicaid status and apply for benefits with DHS at a later date we can only give a reimbursement, less any accountant/bank fees, after the payment has been received and verified by our accountant and bank.  It has taken over a year to receive payment, at times.

MILITARY

We will notify your branch of discharge/retirement for honors to be present at the service and request they have all documents prepared for your survivor’s benefits.  You will need to provide a DD214 or the retirement document and your Social Security Number, date of birth, and place of birth.

The military will provide a presentation team for all veterans (honorably discharged) and retirees. They will, however, only provide the gun salute or live bugler, if available, for a retiree or active duty person.

VA

We will file with the Veteran’s Administration for payment on a Veteran or Retiree who, at the time of death, was receiving a VA disability or when the death occurred at a VA facility.  The VA will only pay a certain amount for services and a plot (if not in a National Cemetery), usually $300-$600 unless the cause of death was due to the disability.  The VA will cover up to $2000 in the latter circumstance.  You will need to provide a DD214 or discharge papers and a Disability Award Letter.

SOCIAL SECURITY

We will notify Social Security of the death, however, you will need to file for any benefits.  Social Security will not pay us.  Only a surviving spouse or minor child (or a disabled adult who was disabled as a minor child and dependent on the deceased) is eligible to receive benefits.

Inquiries regarding your funeral agreement may be directed to the Department of Regulatory Agencies:

Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration
Division of Registrations, Department of Regulatory Agencies
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, Colorado 80202
Telephone: 303.894.7800 Fax: 303.894.7790   
Email: Registrations@dora.state.co.us