The world is grappling with an issue of enormous scale and human impact, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

At Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc., we believe it is our role and responsibility during this time to prioritize two things: the health and well-being of our staff, our clients, and our family and friends while also playing a constructive role in supporting local health officials and government leaders as they work to contain the virus. Through that lens, we will continue to make decisions regarding public funerals and gatherings with vigilance and courage informed by the latest information. Our professional organizations, the New York State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association are keeping us updated on the recommendations from the Health Department, the Bureau of Funeral Directing and the CDC as to the precautions needed for handling human remains that may be contaminated by COVID-19. In addition, we are carefully monitoring the recommendations about public gatherings. Be aware that the primary purpose of embalming is to disinfect human remains, and that process would neutralize viruses, including COVID-19. In the case of a full-service funeral, a risk of infection comes from the living, not the dead.   

Funeral service has always taken an active role in the care and custody of all individuals stricken with illnesses, and we will continue to care for the members of our community with grace and compassion as we navigate this world health crisis.    

At Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc., we strive to fulfill the funeral needs of every person that we work with. We are prepared to use technology to livestream these private gatherings at the funeral home via Facebook Live or other platforms so that those outside of the immediate family may participate as well.   

Families may also choose to bury or cremate immediately following the death, and plan to schedule a memorial once the pandemic subsides. 

FEMA has instituted a program to assist with funeral expenses incurred due to deaths caused directly by COVID 19.  The FEMA website has all the details, but keep this in mind.....

Q: Are pre-planned and pre-paid funerals eligible for reimbursement if the individual died due to COVID-19?

Any source of payment designated specifically to pay for a funeral in anticipation of a future death cannot be reimbursed under this assistance. This includes burial or funeral insurance, a pre-paid funeral contract, a pre-paid trust for funeral expenses, or an irrevocable trust for Medicare.

Q: The death certificate doesn’t attribute the death to COVID-19. How do I get a death certificate amended?

It is possible to change or amend a death certificate. This process starts with contacting the person who certified the death. This may be a treating doctor, a coroner or a medical examiner, and their name and address is on the death certificate. Applicants may present evidence to them to support the claim the death was attributable to COVID-19.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.