H 139 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to funeral assistance

This bill increases the maximum funeral assistance benefit available to Massachusetts residents who have exhausted their health insurance coverage. Currently, the program provides up to $1,100 for funeral expenses, but this legislation raises that limit to $3,500 and increases the limit for cremation from $3,500 to $5,000. The change directly affects individuals and families facing financial hardship when arranging a funeral after their health insurance ends. By updating the dollar amounts in state law, the bill aims to provide greater financial support during a difficult time without altering the eligibility requirements or the overall structure of the assistance program.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Sep 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tackey Chan
Tackey Chan
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Norfolk