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HD 416

An Act relative to funeral assistance

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

Massachusetts bill establishes funeral assistance for low-income residents to help cover burial and end-of-life costs.

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Bill Summary · HD 416

Legislative bill overview

HD 416 proposes to establish or expand funeral assistance programs in Massachusetts, providing financial aid to help low-income residents cover burial and funeral expenses. The bill, sponsored by Representative Tackey Chan, aims to address the financial hardship families face when managing end-of-life costs.

Why is this important

Funeral and burial costs typically range from $7,000-$12,000, creating significant financial strain for low-income families already in vulnerable circumstances. Without assistance, families may delay burials, go into debt, or forgo proper funeral services, impacting their ability to grieve and process loss with dignity.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding source: Unclear whether funding comes from general revenue, Medicaid, or dedicated sources, raising questions about budget allocation priorities
  • Eligibility criteria: The specific income thresholds and asset limits will determine who qualifies, potentially excluding working-poor families or creating administrative complexity
  • Benefit amounts: Whether assistance covers partial or full costs significantly affects both program generosity and fiscal impact
  • Implementation structure: Whether to expand existing programs versus creating new bureaucracy, and how to prevent fraud or duplicative benefits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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