Meda
3111 James St, Syracuse, NY, 13206
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
“Do you offer payment plans?”
Many funeral homes allow you to spread the cost over time. Ask about down payments, terms, and financing options.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Average in New York
$3,368 – $10,595
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
Funerals in this area run $3,368–$10,595. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
“GCS recently handled my mother’s funeral arrangements. Over the years I have attended many funerals at GCS including my father’s service five years ago. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have been more disappointed with my mother’s service. They obviously took very little time with my mother’s appearance. They are supposed to be the professionals yet I’m quite sure I could have done much better using products from my own make up bag. Make up should cover and enhance yet every imperfection and mark on her face could be seen. They used a neutral lip color and no color on her cheeks. Her eye sockets were dark and she most definitely looked deceased. The hair at the nape of her neck was matted and not even combed out, and the hair style was truly that of an old lady. Not even a coat of nail polish on her fingers. Since my brother handled the arrangements I’m not sure if attention to detail came with extra charges. This was quite literally a bare bones effort. My mother was a beautiful, stylish woman who would have wanted to look her best when she began her next transition. Restoring her appearance shouldn’t have taken much effort but their work is SUBSTANDARD. I ordered a beautiful flower arrangement for her casket which the funeral home did not use. In fact, NONE of the flowers were brought from the church to the cemetery to place at my mother’s grave. NONE. I expected my flowers to be placed WITH my mother. I hope that this review will alert those families who plan to use GCS to provide specific instructions of your expectations so you will not be disappointed in how you send your loved one to their eternal rest.”
— Suzanne Borowicz
“If I could give them 100 stars I absolutely would in a minute. They handled my Grandfather’s funeral and services and everything was done perfectly. They are reasonably priced and value perfection while showing compassion, empathy, and understanding. They did not have the moment be about them but rather about my Grandfather. Everything was down with grace and perfection and truly honored my Grandpa and his legacy. I cannot say enough amazing things about them and truly thank them for everything.”
— lauren biloski
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
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