Check list for the responsible person surviving a death

    At this often difficult time there are several tasks which must be performed. This week's column will provide you with a list of some of the items, which need to be accomplished.

/___/ 1. Notify Social Security and request death benefit. (SS Death benefit is only available to the surviving spouse.)

/___/ 2. Notify the insurance companies & request premium refund if applicable.

/___/ 3. Notify the employer or former employer in the event that there are lump sum pension benefits or life insurance benefits.

/___/ 4. Notify the insurance agent. (Remember: health, life, auto,
fire/theft, etc.)

/___/ 5. Notify other persons involved in the estate, such as the attorneys,
accountants, banks, stock brokers, doctors or health claims processing company.

/___/ 6. Notify distant friends or family members.

/___/ 7. Set up the "Rule limiting Creditor's" so that the estate may be settled quickly.

/___/ 8. Make arrangements for the will to be probated either by an attorney or through the surrogate’s office.

/___/ 9. Start submitting all medical bills to the health insurance company or contact Medical Insurance Claims, Inc at (973) 492-2828 to do it for you.

/___/ 10. Submit Certified death certificate to any life insurance companies that the deceased had a policy with.

/___/ 11. Make arrangements to go away for a few days, or do something special for yourself. You deserve it, and need it.

    Irene Card & Betsy Card Chandler share the responsibilities of running Medical Insurance Claims, Inc. a health insurance services company . If you have questions relative to this column or other related topics, we invite you to call (973) 492-2828, or visit our contact page.

All content copyright © 2002 Medical Insurance Claims, Inc. unless noted otherwise. All rights reserved.