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      Managing the details after loss of a loved one

      Two people consoling each other

      When you lose someone close to you, grief can feel overwhelming. And having to manage the details can add even more stress. At CVS Health®, we're here to support you every step of the way. 

       

      You're not alone in this. Let us help lighten your load. That way you can focus on honoring your loved one's memory and healing.

      Mental and physical resources to help deal with the loss of a loved one

      Remember to take care of yourself during this time of grief and transition. CVS Health offers the following resources to support your well-being:

      • Find virtual or in-person physical and mental health care at a MinuteClinic location. Be sure to verify your insurance coverage before your visit.

      For Aetna members:

      • To find virtual or in-person care: log into your member website to find providers and services covered by your plan. 

       

      Pair of hands

      Closing CVS Health accounts

      Here’s how to close CVS Health® accounts for your loved one:

       
      • Medicare: Read our “How do I report a death to Aetna Medicare?” in our frequently asked questions or connect directly with the Social Security Administration if you haven’t done so already by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
      • For all other coverage types, call the number on the back of the member's insurance card. 

      We’ll remove the deceased member from most communications, but will continue to send EOBs and statements as we process medical claims. 

      Call 1-800-552-8159 (TTY: 711). Be ready to provide the member’s full name, date of birth and mailing address. You can also call the number on the back of the member’s ID card. 

      Stop by or call any local CVS Pharmacy store to let them know your loved one has passed. Talk to our pharmacy team or leave a voicemail with your loved one’s name, address, date-of-birth, and your call back number. That way our team can update our records accordingly and confirm that the change has been made. 

      Call 1-800-237-2767 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM.

      Call the number on your prescription label or 1-800-423-1411.

      Call your Oak Street Health team at (833) 742-1939 and let us know your loved one has passed.  We will update our records to ensure we discontinue all appointment scheduling and care coordination efforts.

      Checklist to help with the details

      Losing a family member or friend can be overwhelming. You may feel unsure where to even begin. This guide gives you a checklist of key tasks to complete in the days, weeks and months after your loss. You’ll also find tips on closing your loved one's accounts and resources to support your own well-being.

       
      • Share the news with immediate family and friends.
      • Notify your loved one's employer, business partners and estate executors.
      • Arrange care for any dependents. Check the will to see if a guardian was named.
      • Arrange care for any pets. Check the will for guidance. Organizations like Home to Home or Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Rehome can help rehome pets.
      • Gather key documents like the will, insurance policies, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, retirement account statements (pension, IRA, 401k), previous-year tax documents and the title to any assets.
      • Plan a tribute that celebrates your loved one's life according to their final wishes.
      • Write an obituary. You can find templates online to help you get started. 
      • Safeguard their home, cars and other valuable property from theft. 
      • Forward their mail through the US Post Office.
      • If your loved one passed away while abroad, notify the country’s US embassy or consulate.

       

       
      • Notify extended family, friends, financial institutions, and doctor(s) or lawyer if applicable.
      • If possible, gather passwords to your loved one’s computer and online accounts. 
      • Ask for 10-25 certified copies of the death certificate to take care of their legal and financial matters.
        • Tip: The funeral home can get copies on your behalf. Or you can call the Vital Statistics Office in the relevant state. 
      • If applicable, file a life insurance claim to help cover expenses.
      • Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs and other agencies. 
      • Tip: You don’t have to contact Medicare/Medicaid separately. SSA will share this information.
      • Be gentle with yourself and consider reaching out to a mental health professional or other resources for extra support. 

       

      • Keep up with the deceased's payments and bills to protect their assets and credit. 
      • Request a credit report for the deceased to make sure you know about all accounts.
      • Meet with an attorney to take the will to probate (county or city court) and get any legal documents.
      • Gather documents for federal and state income tax returns for the estate. It may help to have an accountant.
      • Stop marketing calls to their phone by adding them to the Do Not Call list.

       
      • Put assets like their house, car and accounts in the names of the beneficiaries.
      • Reach out to the state DMV to cancel their driver’s license.
      • Cancel their passport with a copy of the death certificate.
      • Update their voter registration by contacting your state and local election offices.
      • Review your own beneficiary choices. If your loved one was a part of them, update as needed.

       
      • Memorialize (rather than deactivate) your loved one's social media profiles (platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X/Twitter). That will keep them safe without risking identity theft. 
      • Shut down email accounts to prevent fraud.
      • File a final tax return on behalf of the estate.
      • Continue settling the affairs — it may take a year or longer.

      • Continue to settle the estate. This includes selling or transferring titles of assets (house, property, etc.)