Under the Funeral Rule, what must funeral providers provide upon request?

Under the Funeral Rule, funeral providers are required to provide a written statement of the funeral costs upon request. This is a critical aspect of consumer rights within the funeral industry, as it ensures transparency and allows families to make informed decisions regarding their funeral arrangements.

Providing a written statement helps families understand the costs associated with various goods and services, enabling them to compare prices and services from different funeral providers. This written document must include itemized costs for services and merchandise, ensuring clarity and enabling consumers to budget effectively.

While other options like oral estimates or brochures may provide some information, they do not meet the specific requirement set forth by the Funeral Rule for a clear, written account of costs, which is essential for consumer protection in the funeral service industry. Additionally, a completed contract for services is typically only relevant after an agreement has been made, not simply as a response to a request for information.