Finding Help Paying for an Autopsy
When a family needs answers about a loved one’s death but struggles with the cost of a private autopsy, financial assistance may be available from several sources. This guide compiles the programs, organizations, and strategies that can help families access the autopsy services they need, regardless of their financial situation.
Government Programs and Resources
Medical Examiner and Coroner Services
The first step for any family seeking financial assistance is to contact their local medical examiner or coroner’s office. While these offices typically investigate deaths that fall under their statutory jurisdiction, some offer expanded services:
- Some ME offices will perform autopsies on cases outside their typical jurisdiction if requested by the family, sometimes at no cost or for a reduced fee
- Others may provide consultation or referrals to low-cost private providers
- In some jurisdictions, the ME office can advocate for an autopsy to be performed at government expense if there is a legitimate public interest
State Victim Compensation Programs
Every state maintains a Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) program that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and their families. These programs may cover:
- Autopsy costs when the death resulted from a crime
- Second autopsy costs if the family needs an independent examination
- Related expenses such as transportation and counseling
Eligibility requirements vary by state, but most programs require that the crime was reported to law enforcement and that the application is filed within a specified time period. Contact your state’s victim compensation program or local victim advocacy organization for specific details.
FEMA Funeral Assistance
In cases where a death results from a federally declared disaster, FEMA’s Funeral Assistance program may cover autopsy costs as part of funeral-related expenses. This applies to deaths caused by hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, pandemics, and other declared disasters.
Medicaid
In limited circumstances, Medicaid may cover autopsy-related costs, particularly for:
- Neonatal deaths where the mother is a Medicaid recipient
- Deaths that occur during Medicaid-covered hospital stays
- Specific situations defined by state Medicaid programs
Coverage is highly variable by state and circumstance. Families should contact their state Medicaid office for specific information.
Nonprofit and Community Resources
Victim Advocacy Organizations
Many nonprofit victim advocacy organizations can help families navigate the financial challenges of obtaining an autopsy:
- National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children (POMC): Provides support and resources for families of homicide victims, including assistance with autopsy-related expenses
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): May assist families of victims of impaired driving crashes with expenses related to death investigation
- Local victim service centers: Community-based victim service organizations often have emergency funds that can help cover autopsy and related costs
Faith-Based Organizations
Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations maintain benevolence funds that can assist community members with unexpected expenses, including autopsy costs. Even if the family is not a member, many faith organizations will consider requests for assistance.
Community Organizations
Fraternal organizations (Elks, Moose, Rotary, Lions, etc.), labor unions, and community foundations may provide emergency financial assistance to members or community residents facing unexpected expenses related to a death.
Disease-Specific Research Organizations
Organizations conducting research on specific conditions may fund autopsies in relevant cases:
- Concussion Legacy Foundation / Boston University CTE Center: Provides free brain examinations for suspected CTE cases
- Alzheimer’s Association Brain Donation Network: May cover costs related to brain examination for Alzheimer’s research
- Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation: Supports genetic testing and autopsy evaluation in cases of sudden cardiac death in young people
- SUDC Foundation: Supports research into Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood
Legal Funding Options
Attorney Fee Advancement
If the death may be the basis for a wrongful death or medical malpractice lawsuit, many plaintiff’s attorneys will advance the cost of an autopsy as a case expense. This means:
- The family does not pay upfront
- The attorney pays for the autopsy as an investment in the case
- The cost is reimbursed from any settlement or judgment
- If the case is unsuccessful, the family may or may not owe the cost, depending on the fee agreement
Legal Aid Societies
Legal aid organizations serving low-income clients may be able to help fund an autopsy when it is related to a legal case. This is particularly common in civil rights cases involving deaths in police custody or institutional settings.
Pro Bono Forensic Services
Some forensic pathologists donate their services pro bono in cases involving social justice, civil rights, or families in extreme financial hardship. While this is not common, it does occur, particularly in high-profile cases or those with broader public interest.
Crowdfunding and Community Fundraising
Online Crowdfunding Platforms
GoFundMe, GiveSendGo, and similar platforms have become a significant source of funding for families seeking independent autopsies. Successful campaigns typically:
- Tell the family’s story clearly and honestly
- Explain specifically why an autopsy is needed
- Set a realistic goal based on actual cost estimates
- Include updates as the campaign progresses
- Are shared widely through social media and community networks
Community Fundraising Events
Traditional fundraising approaches such as benefit dinners, car washes, bake sales, and community events can supplement or replace online fundraising, particularly in tight-knit communities.
Employer and Union Benefits
Some employers and labor unions offer death-related benefits that may cover or contribute to autopsy costs:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): While EAPs typically focus on counseling and mental health services, some programs may provide emergency financial assistance or referrals
- Union death benefits: Some labor unions provide death benefits that can be used for autopsy and funeral expenses
- Employer emergency funds: Some employers maintain hardship funds for employees and their families facing unexpected financial emergencies
Hospital and Academic Resources
- Hospital autopsy programs: If the death occurred in a hospital, the hospital may perform an autopsy at no cost as part of its quality assurance program
- Medical school programs: Teaching hospitals and medical school pathology departments may offer reduced-rate autopsies performed as part of their training programs
- Charity care policies: Some hospitals have charity care policies that may extend to autopsy services for patients who were unable to pay for their care
Steps to Take
If you need an autopsy but are concerned about the cost, take these steps:
- Contact the local ME or coroner: Determine whether the government will perform the autopsy at no cost
- Ask the hospital: If the death occurred in a hospital, ask whether a hospital autopsy is available
- Consult an attorney: If legal action may be involved, an attorney may advance the cost
- Contact victim services: If the death resulted from a crime, contact your state’s victim compensation program
- Explore nonprofit assistance: Research disease-specific organizations, victim advocacy groups, and community organizations that may help
- Consider crowdfunding: Set up a fundraising campaign to share the financial burden with your community
- Negotiate with providers: Contact private autopsy providers about payment plans, reduced fees, or pro bono services for hardship cases
- Document everything: Keep records of all expenses for potential insurance reimbursement or tax deduction
No family should have to forgo answers about their loved one’s death because of financial barriers. By exploring all available resources, most families can find a path to obtaining the autopsy services they need.