The "$25,000 Final Expense Program" from TV. Here is what it actually is.

You have seen the ads. A "new state-approved program" that pays up to $25,000 for funeral costs, for pennies a day, with a countdown telling you to call before enrollment closes. Here is what is really behind them.

By Michael von Heesen, independent licensed insurance agent · FL Lic. G345487 · Bay Harbor Islands, Florida

There is no government or state "$25,000 burial program." Those ads sell final expense life insurance. The insurance itself is real, useful, and state-regulated. The "program" part is marketing built to look like a government benefit. The good news: the real thing usually costs less than what those ads sell it for. Your actual number takes 60 seconds. See your real rate. Who needs the coverage? Myself My spouse A parent Someone else

Or call (305) 859-1704

So the ads are a scam?

Not exactly, and that is the confusing part. The product behind the ads is usually legitimate: a small whole life insurance policy, typically $2,000 to $40,000, made to cover funeral and final costs. Licensed insurance carriers issue these policies and the State of Florida regulates them.

The misleading part is the wrapper: the "program" language, the government look, the fake deadlines. The biggest catch is what happens to your phone number. Many of those TV and mail offers are run by lead companies, not agents. Call the 800 number and your information often gets sold to several call centers. Then the calls start and they do not stop.

What real final expense insurance is

A small whole life policy. Your rate locks for life. Coverage never expires as long as premiums are paid. It pays cash directly to the person you choose, usually within days, for a funeral, medical bills, or anything else. A typical Florida funeral runs $8,000 to $12,000. Most policies skip the medical exam: approval comes from a short list of health questions.

What it honestly costs

Real ballparks for a $10,000 policy, non-tobacco. These are illustrative ranges: your rate depends on age, gender, health, and tobacco.

Age	Typical monthly range
50–55	$22 – $38
60–65	$32 – $55
70–75	$55 – $95
80–85	$95 – $170

"Pennies a day" is only true for small coverage at younger ages. Anyone quoting you a price without asking your age, health, and tobacco status is guessing.

Red flags to watch for

Government look-alikes. Eagles, flags, "state-approved," "new 2026 program." Insurance is state-regulated. There is no enrollment program.
Fake deadlines. Final expense insurance has no enrollment period. You can apply any day of the year.
Call centers. If the number routes to an agent floor in another state, your information is probably being resold. Ask two questions: are you an agent, and are you licensed in Florida?
One price for everyone. Real quotes require your age and health answers.

Who is telling you this: I am Michael von Heesen, an independent licensed insurance agent in Florida, license G345487. I sell real final expense insurance from licensed carriers. No call center. No lead reselling. If you contact me, exactly one person has your number, and it is me.

See your real rate range in 60 seconds

Six quick taps: age, coverage amount, tobacco. You get an honest range for your situation.

Get My Honest Rate Range

Or just ask a person: (305) 859-1704. One call, one agent, no pressure.