Regulatory Body Proposed to Secure Internet Disclosure of Funeral Provider Prices
In the realm of funeral services, consumers have long been entitled to detailed, itemized price lists and the right to choose only the goods and services they desire, thanks to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Funeral Rule. However, these protections primarily apply to in-person interactions at funeral homes, leaving consumers in the digital age at a disadvantage.
As of July 2025, the FTC has not implemented a rule requiring funeral providers to post itemized price lists online. This means that while consumers can request price information in writing, there is no federal requirement for providers to display prices on their websites or through other digital channels.
Consumer advocates and some legislators have called for online disclosure of funeral pricing to increase transparency and allow families to compare costs more easily. The absence of online price lists can make shopping around difficult and potentially lead to higher costs, given significant price variations and potential markups on products like caskets and urns.
Recent discussions suggest that the FTC is aware of changing consumer habits and the benefits of price transparency. If the FTC were to propose a rule requiring nationwide online price posting for funeral services, it would likely include requirements for funeral homes to post a complete, itemized price list (General Price List) on their website, clearly disclose all fees and charges, update prices regularly, and allow for easy comparison between different providers online.
Such a rule would align with current rights under the Funeral Rule but extend transparency to the digital space, where many consumers now begin their shopping. The potential rule change would also ensure that consumers can make informed decisions from home, without the need for in-person visits.
Currently, the FTC has not yet issued a proposed rule to require nationwide online price posting for funeral services. However, consumer interest in online price transparency is clear, and some states have begun to mandate it independently. The FTC's potential rule change could mark a significant step forward in empowering consumers and ensuring they are equipped with the information they need to make informed decisions when purchasing funeral goods and services.
Until such a rule is proposed and finalized, consumers are advised to request written price lists directly from funeral providers and to compare options before making arrangements. This approach will help consumers make truly informed decisions and take advantage of the savings that pre-need funeral arrangements can offer, with an average savings of nearly $1,400 compared to those who do not make pre-arrangements.
- The absence of a federal requirement for funeral homes to post itemized price lists online has prompted advocates and some legislators to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to propose a rule that would mandate nationwide online price posting for funeral services.
- If the FTC were to implement such a rule, it would not only align with current rights under the Funeral Rule but also extend transparency to the digital space, potentially saving consumers significant amounts of money through informed decision-making, as seen in the average savings of nearly $1,400 with pre-arrangements.
