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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: jm1953 on December 21, 2009, 08:21:37 pm

Title: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: jm1953 on December 21, 2009, 08:21:37 pm
Hey Members:

Not sure which thread this falls under, but updating our Wills and preparing I guess falls mostly in the Long term survivor category of which I am one.

While updating my Will, which I seem to do a lot these days, I was looking at setting up a pay on death account for funeral/cremation arrangements at my local bank.  Then I was directed to The Neptune Society where you prepay upfront and they take care of everything.  The thing I liked most is the plan travels with you where ever you go so you aren't restricted to one particular funeral home or plan in a city you don't even live in.  I've heard both good and bad about prepaying for these arrangements.  And have heard good and bad about this organization.

Just wondered if anyone might have some more information on this before I make a decision, or have had direct dealings with The Neptune Society.

Any information would be appreciated.

Again apologies if this post does not belong on this thread.

Thanks,

Jeff
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: joejoe1972 on December 22, 2009, 01:42:05 am
This is a forum that us LTS are able to talk about things unique to our situations. We are the ones who have wills and have to deal with end of life issues. Unfortunately I do not know about The Neptune Society so I have no advice there. I do think we all should have wills and health directives.

Best Wishes,
JoeJoe
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: BT65 on December 22, 2009, 05:41:43 am
Jeff, I would say this very much belongs in the LTS'er forum. 

I don't know anything about the Neptune Society, but I do have a cremation service paid for; have had for years.  But, you reminded me that the will I made out isn't current, and needs to be updated.  Good luck!
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: aztecan on December 23, 2009, 11:27:49 am
Hey Jeff,

I have heard good things about the Neptune Society. I remember people using them quite a while ago when I lived on the West Coast.

The only caveat I can think of is to make sure it won't infringe on any benefits you get while you are alive. I know that having a prepaid burial plot can disqualify you from some Medicaid programs.

I never could figure that out, but it seems to be the case.

But having a prepaid cremation service shouldn't fall into that category. You aren't purchasing property, which I think is the stipulation for the burial plot. You are just prepaying a service.

I will ask the local director whether that would or would not disqualify someone, just for my own edification if nothing else.

You have reminded me I need to make out a will, though. I also need to update my Advanced Directives - because I have no idea where I put them.

HUGS,

Mark
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: leatherman on December 23, 2009, 03:19:13 pm
I know that having a prepaid burial plot can disqualify you from some Medicaid programs.

But having a prepaid cremation service shouldn't fall into that category. You aren't purchasing property, which I think is the stipulation for the burial plot. You are just prepaying a service.

You have reminded me I need to make out a will, though. I also need to update my Advanced Directives - because I have no idea where I put them.
having a prepaid cremation is ok for SS, disability, medicare, medicaid, etc. All that stuff  ;)

dang! I need to dig out my papers too I guess. Since I just moved back home to SC, I guess I need to change all those people named on the papers (eek. Especially since Jim passed away. I don't think he'll be very helpful if I'm unconscious in the hospital  :D )
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: jm1953 on December 29, 2009, 01:40:38 am
Thanks everyone for your help.  And to Mark giving me a heads up about the Neptune Society.   I also just found out a contact to another similar organization.

Also thanks for the info concerning how a prepaid arrangement could disqualify me from some government services I am currently on.

It's all kind of depressing, but I just feel I need my house in order when the time comes.  And knowing my family they will not want anything to do with it, with the exception of my 94 year old dad who obviously has limited capabilities 

Thanks again to all,

Jeff

Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: leatherman on December 29, 2009, 01:49:29 am
don't forget a living will and/or medical power of attnry papers too ;)
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: pozniceguy on December 29, 2009, 08:48:37 pm
I have had a "will"  of both kinds..( living, medical directive) and a prepaid cremation  agreement for many years.  the prepaid plans vary so much from city to city that I found it was best to choose a provider with the widest area coverage. and the most participating providers (  like a franchise) in my city,   I have no expectations of moving so I am hoping the greater Metro area is sufficient to get the service I paid for....  look at who the participating providers are in your most likely area.. actually go see what they offer.  do they have their own facilities/ vehicles ?? many so called funeral services subcontract some  essential parts of the needed service,   like transporting bodies from point to point , or the actual preparation of the body for whatever  type of service you want, ...I chose one that "owns" all required services and facilities that I wanted in the contract.    things change and I check every few years to be sure nothing has drastically changed...


Nick
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: jm1953 on December 30, 2009, 08:42:08 pm
Thanks again for all the advice.  Really appreciate it.  You guys have reminded me everything needs to be updated, Will, medical directives, power of attorney, etc.  Also I appreciate the information you shared PozNiceGuy about how you are handling prepaid funeral/burial expenses.  For me, I move around so much I really need one, I think, that travels with me.  I don't plan on living in this city much longer.  No real ties here except my elderly Dad who is doing great thankfully.

Thanks again to all and happy 2010!

Jeff

Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: bear60 on December 31, 2009, 11:47:57 am
The cremation plan I bought includes shipping my body from anywhere in the USA to Harrisburg PA to be cremated.
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: pozniceguy on January 01, 2010, 01:24:12 pm
an additional thought, for whatever plans/ documents you make.  be sure to include  ultimate disposal of whatever remains......  those who have any honorable Military service are entitled to a place in a National cemetery... but you/ whoever handles the details  have to request that.. I have specified that desire in two places... the basic will and the prepaid agreement..trying not to leave too many decisions to remaining persons.., let them off the hook about why they did whatever I wanted...

Nick
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: AndyArrow on January 05, 2010, 04:10:02 am
Jeff,

Thanks for posting this whenever I've been in the hospital and they ask about a living will or medical directive I always think I'm going to do that as soon as I get home.  Once, I'm home and feeling better I forget all about it.  This is the just the reminder I needed to get working on a will. 

My grandmother, whose 103 (104 in April), has 3 burial plots and when she passes the extra 2 will go to me so I at least have that covered but I really need to start making further arrangements and start pre-paying a little at a time.

AA
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: mudman8 on March 14, 2010, 02:19:36 pm
I did all that 5 years ago and settling things helped ease my mind as good friends will know how I want to be cared for.  I've just gone in for surgery and changed my directive to friends in LA and my Dr to advise.  I need to do a trust now that I have more money.

I've thought of Neptune also I think it the most ecological instead of wasting ground space.  But now I think that donating my body to science so some medical student can learn from my body would be most important. For that you don't have to pay anything. Neptune tho once you pay the service fee doesn't go up and it's anywhere that you end up.  I hold no value in my body once I"m dead.  I guess Vincent Price movies creeped me out too much as a kid.
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: weasel on March 16, 2010, 11:39:39 am

 How would one donate their croaked body to Science ?

 I think I would like that !

                                                    Carl
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: mudman8 on March 18, 2010, 12:58:23 pm
I'd call your health provider or if there's a teaching hospital in your area they always are in need. I'm sure there's  form to fill out and they'll put copies in your file.  I feel it's a real education for a med student to see someone with  a medical history like mine.  It is a bit creepy but helping others is the best way.  At first I was going to do cremation as the ecological way.

I have one friend who has a nice house and amazing collection of paintings yet he hasn't catalogued the paintings, insured them or done his will.  He says with a laugh, "but that would finalize everything!" He wants to help a woman friend who has a disabled child yet he's done nothing toward paperwork. She ain't getting crap once the family descends.

I felt setting everything in order relaxed me and I could help a few HIV friends that benefit me, tho they can't be in my Directive.  One good friend spent about 8 years unemployed and he moved in with other friends taking them to hospitals, shopping and cooking. When the guys died they hadn't given him a fat check and the families came in, kicked him out and didn't even say thank you. 3 times in a row....
Title: Re: Working on Will and been directed to Neptune Society. Any comments!
Post by: poztoo on March 19, 2010, 08:24:21 pm
Actually, as a LTS, we have alot to offer in the way of knowledge re how HARRT effects the body, not to mention HIV. As for LTNP's, well, there's much mystery in that also. The recent report of HIV hiding in bone marrow is one example.

As for things like antiques and Art, once insured, those would effect benefits. Maybe not before. Be careful you don't disqualify any beneficiary for that matter.

I haven't done any of these things, other than naming beneficiaries of my various accounts. I've received a windfall myself and must probably buy a condo or house and live in it to keep Medicaid. But, it's a problem I'd gladly be stuck with.

Unfortunately, as a Gay male, one must be bothered my all this if "married" since the IRS et. al. will not offer any help to one's SS spouse.