Going bk to USA to get my meds?

Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Hello! I new to the forum.
My family and I will be moving down to Mx. this summer.
Long story short... I have RH. I currently have free health care through Medicade in the states. I am aware that Mexico has meds. that are alot more inexpensive and easy to purchase. The only problem is, that I would still have to pay over $1000.00 US dollars per month in Mx.to buy them. ( already looked into this) Any suggestions on what to do? The only thing I can think of is to go back every four months to the states and see my dr. there and bring back my months worth of meds. Which will be a real pain...
Thanks :)

Jan 29, 2010, 5:58 AM

Post #2 of 35 (6538 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Do you really need to see the doctor every four months? Could you have someone DHL/FedEx them to you?
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

tonynico

Jan 29, 2010, 6:34 AM

Post #3 of 35 (6517 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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I don't think you will find a doctor that will give meds without seeing you at least 3 to 4 months between visits.

Jan 29, 2010, 7:02 AM

Post #4 of 35 (6511 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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You didn't say what part of Mexico you were planning to go and it would make a difference. Hopping over to San Diego from the upper Baja Peninsula is a different project than going from the Guadalajara area.

Let's say the doctor would insist on seeing you every few months. Add up the cost of taking the trip, including everything.....meals, motels, gas and wear and tear on your car...or the cost of taking the plane. If you have family going with you, add for them. Now prorate that over a year, and figure out how much you'll be saving over seeing a local doctor and buying the meds in Mexico. Add the general aggravation to yourself of taking those trips.

In the process, figure in what you'd be saving in general living costs by moving to Mexico....or not.

It might not be worth the traveling. Or, it might not be worth moving to Mexico.

You are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Best wishes.

Jan 29, 2010, 7:14 AM

Post #5 of 35 (6506 views)

Re: [tonynico] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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In Reply To

I don't think you will find a doctor that will give meds without seeing you at least 3 to 4 months between visits.

I would think that it would be a question of "seeing". I am almost sure that discussing your situation with your doctor, that the good doctor will see that not "seeing" this patient and accepting the visit to a local doctor might be fine. You might even send the doctor a fee by paypal.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

tonynico

Jan 29, 2010, 7:21 AM

Post #6 of 35 (6501 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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I truly doubt a doctor will wright a scrip on another doctors word Have you ever heard of the word malpractice, or lawsuit

(This post was edited by tonynico on Jan 29, 2010, 7:31 AM)

donemry

Jan 29, 2010, 7:46 AM

Post #7 of 35 (6491 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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It will not be an issue of "seeing" a doctor. Medicaide is generally only going to pay for 90 days of meds at a time. The poster will need to return just to pick up a new supply and have Medicaide pay for them.

We have this same issue with Medicare. They will pay for 90 days and we need 150 days each winter.

There have been many posts that have said shippinf meds into Mexico via a commercial carrier is not going to work.

Jan 29, 2010, 7:53 AM

Post #8 of 35 (6482 views)

Re: [donemry] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Then the best advice would be for the OP to ask his doctor what the best path would be, rather than we guessing.

VA had sent me medications for years via the Mexican post. From what I have read on the Internet, medications sent by commercial companies come under laws regarding importation for resale.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Hound Dog

Jan 29, 2010, 8:42 AM

Post #9 of 35 (6461 views)

Re: [tonynico] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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truly doubt a doctor will wright a scrip on another doctors word Have you ever heard of the word malpractice, or lawsuit

There you have it. A short one sentence statement that defines succintly the very essence of what is wrong with the United States health care system or, for that matter, what is so terribly wrong with the United States generally speaking.

Dawg is and has been on daily medication for some 35 years and has lived in Mexico for nine years and the last prescription I received in Mexico for this vital blood pressure medication was in 2002. I still remember all those years in San Francisco going to those incompetent Kaiser Permanente doctors every 90 days so I could co-pay for medication after spending five minutes being treated like a bag of puss.

Here in Chiapas and in Guadalajara the medical doctors spend more time greeting you and inquiring as to your well-being and that of your family than those ever- changing Kaiser HBO doctors assigned at random spent ushering you into and out of the office.

The last time I was in a U.S. hospital it was in the fancy little rich man´s town of St. Helena, California in the Napa Valley and I was there for a colonoscopy back about 1998. There I was as I awakened, recovering in a dorm with ten other old dudes lazily and publicly passing gas after having had their entrails invaded and when I needed a hospital in Mexico in 2002 I was treated as a king. Private room. delicious food, the best staff and doctors imaginable and CNN. Minimal cost. Tell me where I would go next time.

Jan 29, 2010, 9:10 AM

Post #10 of 35 (6442 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Interesting anecdote, dawg, but how does this relate to the OP's problem of getting his meds at a reasonable price without going back to the U.S. for them?

However, I entirely agree that the kind of care one receives in Mexico from the docs beats the shirt off what happens in the U.S. Granted, there is exceptional care given in some rare cases which cannot be given in Mexico. Having said that, most of us die of very common causes that could be treated anywhere.

Hound Dog

Jan 29, 2010, 9:52 AM

Post #11 of 35 (6430 views)

Re: [Gringal] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds? by Gringal Post: Interesting anecdote, dawg, but how does this relate to the OP's problem of getting his meds at a reasonable price without going back to the U.S. for them?

Interesting anecdote, dawg, but how does this relate to the OP's problem of getting his meds at a reasonable price without going back to the U.S. for them?

A well made point Gringal but I don´t know the OP´s financial situation. The answer is simple if $1,000USD a month is not significant. Buy your meds in Mexico. If, on the other hand, $1,000USD a is a financial burden then one has to weigh the cost of going up there periodically for the drugs against the cost of simply buying the drugs here in Mexico at a lesser cost.

It disgusts me that the corrupt United States offers no succor to people who find themselves in this terrible position. I cannot adequately express my disdain for these morons in a simple forum response. I am sickened that any homeland would treat its citizens in this manner simply to enrich the medical and pharmaceutical thieves among us sucking our blood.

Otherwise, I have no opinion.

Reefhound

Jan 29, 2010, 10:29 AM

Post #12 of 35 (6411 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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I'm not a medical expert and not trying to second guess you or anybody else, but how did you check and conclude that the drugs would cost $1000 US in Mexico? Maybe if you are seeking the advice here on what to do, you could list which specific drugs and someone might be able to tell you if they can be had in Mexico at a lower cost than that?

Also perhaps talk to your doctor to see if there are maybe lower cost alternative or generic drugs that would be adequate. Docs often prescribe the boutique drugs that offer them the best incentives rather than the best interests of their patients' finances. Many patients on an "insurance plan" don't care what they cost. You have to ask. Maybe you've done that, maybe there are no cheaper alternatives, it's just a suggestion.

Jan 29, 2010, 10:35 AM

Post #13 of 35 (6407 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Come on HD, the OP said that he was on Medicaid which is a program for the poor or financially stressed. If the OP qualified for an FM-3 then he has an income of at least 1,000 usd. So he wants to move to Mexico and still get his drugs free. The US government is doing him a great favor by giving him 1,000 usd of drugs free. He wants his cake and to eat it too.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Glenn

Jan 29, 2010, 10:42 AM

Post #14 of 35 (6398 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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You did not say what medications you are taking. Perhaps there are less expensive, equally effective drugs available in Mexico. Ask your Dr.

Jan 29, 2010, 11:30 AM

Post #15 of 35 (6383 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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There are some states that do not offer services if the client has moved out of the U.S.
The OP should check that out before passing "go".

Note that the OP did not say he/she was eligible or intended to apply for an FM3 visa.

The OP also said he/she had checked out the cost of the drugs in Mexico.

Some of our difficulties on this or any other forum result from a failure to carefully read what's written, si?

Glenn

Jan 29, 2010, 12:48 PM

Post #16 of 35 (6351 views)

Re: [Gringal] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Gringal, I understand the OP checked the cost in Mexico of what they were taking in the US and found the cost in Mx would be $1,000 US. I suspect they are taking brand name medication(s?). Perhaps there is no cheaper alternative for their condition, but perhaps there is.

Jan 29, 2010, 1:40 PM

Post #17 of 35 (6333 views)

Re: [Glenn] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Point well made. The only problem is that some of the "similares" drugs sold in Mexico don't do the job as they should.
Found this out the hard way. I have no idea how anyone can actually check this out.

Again, I think that Job One for the OP in finding out if he qualifies for Medicaid assistance while living out of the country. Maybe I'm climbing the wrong tree, but a friend in CA wanted to move to Mexico while on medical disability from CA state and discovered that only Social Security Disability beneficiaries could receive the benefits while living out of the country. Lots of quicksand out there.

1beachlover

Jan 29, 2010, 2:04 PM

Post #18 of 35 (6313 views)

Re: [Gringal] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Wow! Thanks for all the responses.
Ok... I have a friend in the Puerto V. area that found out the costs of the medicines that I am presently taking now. I need to further look into generics, ect... We want to move to Mexico for a lot of reasons, first for my health. I have Rheumatoid arthritis that effects all parts of my body and being in cold stupid NJ doesn't help. Here are the meds. I am on. Embril ( an injectable ) This costs $700.00 per month in Mx. and double in the states. Also on Prednisone, Methotrexate, Vikodin, Celebrex and Sulfizinate. These don't cost as much as the injectable. My dr. said that he could see me every four months. Yeah, we are on a pretty tight budget, otherwise wouldn't mind paying for out of pocket expense. We are moving to Puerto Escondido. I even looked into Mx healthcare. A lot of them don't accept pre-exisisting conditions...and the ones that do, are expensive. We do qualify for an fm3. B.t.w. I am female Ps Who seriously likes to just " have their cake " and not be able to eat it !! lol Thanks :)

Jan 29, 2010, 2:24 PM

Post #19 of 35 (6299 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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IMSS, the government sponsored health care in Mexico, does not cover pre-existing conditions for the first three years. I understand that after that time, it does. You may want to check the facts out on that.

Rolly

Jan 29, 2010, 2:37 PM

Post #20 of 35 (6295 views)

Re: [Gringal] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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I's pretty doubtful that IMSS would be of any value in this case. The issue is getting the needed drugs at an affordable cost. Membership in IMSS does include free access to some drugs when they are in stock. That caveat is the real limiter.

Rolly Pirate

Jan 29, 2010, 2:53 PM

Post #21 of 35 (6284 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Is it possible to get a Mexican doctor to prescribe these medications? This way you could stay in Mexico and not make the four month pilgrimage back to the states. This way you could have the best of both worlds: lower cost drugs and a warmer climate.
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

esperanza

Jan 29, 2010, 2:59 PM

Post #22 of 35 (6281 views)

Re: [Gringal] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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In Reply To

Gringal, IMSS has different rules depending on where in Mexico you live. Here in Morelia, you are covered sin restricciones (no restrictions) after the first year of IMSS membership. When they stamped Judy's book with the sin restricciones stamp after her first year, I thought, whoa, they have made a nifty mistake. Then, when mine was renewed for Year Two, I got the same stamp. I asked about it. That's how they do it here.

So, with this as with most everything else in Mexico, YMMV.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Rolly

Jan 29, 2010, 3:23 PM

Post #23 of 35 (6273 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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John, a prescription is not the problem. She doesn't need 'script to buy the med in México. The problem, as she has clearly spelled it out, is the cost of the drug here in México.

Rolly Pirate

Jan 29, 2010, 3:36 PM

Post #24 of 35 (6265 views)

Re: [Rolly] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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In Reply To

John, a prescription is not the problem. She doesn't need 'script to buy the med in México. The problem, as she has clearly spelled it out, is the cost of the drug here in México.

One was vicodin and you'll need a prescription for that. Secondly, she will want a doctor, no?
_______
My desire to be well-informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane.

Rolly

Jan 29, 2010, 7:22 PM

Post #25 of 35 (6199 views)

Re: [joaquinx] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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John, you're right. Vicodin is a scheduled pain med, and that presents some problems with buying it in México and with bringing it into the country from the USA. México has tighter controls on scheduled pain meds than the USA does. Not all doctors are authorized to prescribe and not all pharmacies can sell these products. When you are able to buy them, the cost is usually more, sometimes much more, than in the USA.

As I re-read this thread, I was left with the idea that the lady is interested in México for its warmer climate and lower cost of living than where she is in New Jersey. But... Maybe México is not her best choice. Most of us who live here have seen folks come from NoB and find that México doesn't work for them, so they head back. My gut is telling me that this may be the case here.

There are lots of places in the USA south and southwest that have much milder winters and lower cost of living than NJ. South Texas, for example, is warm and in many places looks and feels like México. And Texas does not have a state income tax. It also has some very nice beaches for the lady who calls herself Ibeachlover.

I hope it is not too late for her to rethink her wish to move down here.

Rolly Pirate

Hound Dog

Jan 29, 2010, 8:45 PM

Post #26 of 35 (6557 views)

Re: [Rolly] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Texas does not have a state income tax. It also has some very nice beaches for the lady who calls herself Ibeachlover.

This shows how easily it is to be mislead. Texas has no income tax but the state has a terribly burdensome property tax, Dawg grew up on the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Northwest Florida around Gulf Shores, Fort Walton Beach and Destin and can assure anyone reading this thread that, in comparison, the Texas Gulf Coast is a mudhole, an unattractive and turbid, brown Atlantic bay. In fact, the gulf is unattrative all the way from the western shore of Mobile Bay to around Progreso, Yucatan and then it becomes pleasant again. As the gulf meets the Caribbean Sea near Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, one is re-introduced to south sea charms. That´s just the way it is.

As much as Dawg admires Rolly, I will tell you that he is way off base here or so it seems to me.

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on Jan 29, 2010, 8:47 PM)

Jan 30, 2010, 7:06 AM

Post #27 of 35 (6516 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Dawg, after reading this thread, I have to go along with Rolly's thoughts on this.

Here's why: This lady is in poor shape physically, considering the rather awesome list of meds she needs to take. When Vicodin is part of your life....you're in some serious grief. No, she doesn't need to be in a cold, miserable climate but a warm one near a beach may not make a radical difference, either. As Rolly pointed out, there are many places much warmer and more pleasant right in the U.S. and maybe she needs to think about that instead of the far end of Mexico around Puerto Escondido. Not necessarily Texas, which is not my favorite place, either.

There are many ways to accomplish what she wants and needs. Or maybe just needs. You know the song line.
I wish her the best of luck and wisdom in working this out.

Manuel Dexterity

Jan 30, 2010, 7:16 AM

Post #28 of 35 (6511 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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This thread belongs in a Dear Abby column. There is really nothing anyone here can offer this person. It is a personal finance affair that really has little if anything to do with Mexico.

The poster is looking for someone to make a very personal decision for her.

(This post was edited by Manuel Dexterity on Jan 30, 2010, 7:17 AM)

robt65

Jan 30, 2010, 7:57 PM

Post #29 of 35 (6449 views)

Re: [Hound Dog] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Hi All,

I don't know where this OP lives in Mexico, but perhaps there is a chance to meet some one in a similar situation and car pool to the US. I know that I a going to have to go every three months to the VA Medical Center in San Antonio or to the VA clinic in Harlingen (SP?) and would not mind the company at all. The gas and a hotel room could be split and every one wins. I know there are a lot of American Vets down here in different cities and I am sure they also have the same problems of getting their meds also. This could be a fun trip not only for meds but maybe shopping in the USA Wal Mart or HEB for other things as well to bring back to Mexico. Sharing a dinner on the road and having another person to speak to really passes the time nicely. Just a thought.

Robert

VirtualRPh

Feb 14, 2010, 10:53 AM

Post #30 of 35 (6342 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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For everybody not aware of Medicaid, yes rx's are good for only a maximum of 6 months.
And if your Mexico Rx Bill would be $1000, then they would cost $4000 to $6000 cash in the
states.
I think, until you can get the Mexican National Insurance, it would be best to make the trip
back.
!2,000 to 13,000 pesos a month is a fortune.
Good Luck
Jon Boy

mazatlanlee

Feb 15, 2010, 10:01 PM

Post #31 of 35 (6262 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Beachlover, at first reading your request for information, my thought was... no way is Medicaid going to continue covering this person if they move to another country. I don't know that to be a fact, but it's certainly something you would want to know before making your decision final. Then, you listed the medications you are taking for your RA, and... it was like a nightmare all over again. My husband was on most of those during his last years, including Enbril & Vicodin. I can say with all certainty that you will be much better off if you can continue to see and be cared for by your doctor in the US, because --- IF Enbril is available when you need it, it will cost every bit of what your friend was told, and getting Vicodin will be a real trial if you need it on an ongoing basis, which seems to be the case. As others have stated, you'll need to have a MX doctor write a script for at least the Vicodin, but then, I would also recommend that you promptly develop a good doctor-patient relationship so that you have someone who knows your medical condition and can care for you as needed.

As for bringing medications into the country, we didn't find that to be a problem. We were traveling by land in those years, and would come with a full year's supply of ALL of my husband's medications, including Enbril & Vicodin and Cortisone, etc, etc. (Our insurance allowed us to get 3 refills on a 90 day supply, at that time) Before sending the RX scripts to be filled, I always made copies of each original, and we carried those copies plus the MSDS sheets that came with the meds along with us whenever we had any of his medications in transit. A year's supply of Enbril always raised a red flag, so we were prepared to show our documents and my husband's ID. With that, we never had a problem. At one point, I had to go back to the states to pick up a six-month supply (insurance had changed policy) by air, and just carried the paperwork plus all of my ID and a copy of our marriage license.... just in case I was questioned. That time, going through the Aduana check when I arrived home (Mazatlan), the Aduanero just said, "Much medicines, lady. Get better!" He didn't even check the names on the bottles/boxes, as had always been done in past years. So, perhaps this will work for you, but I agree with others: you have some real homework and soul-searching to do before moving out of your own country and comfort zone (not weather wise, I know!!) and into a land where so much is different. First things first... you should think about clarifying the Medicaid issue if you make this move.

Good luck, Beachlover!
Lee's Photos: Beyond the Guardrails

1beachlover

Feb 16, 2010, 7:06 AM

Post #32 of 35 (6239 views)

Re: [mazatlanlee] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Thank you everyone for your input! We will still be in the states some of the year and Mexico most of the time. So We will still continue to be US citizens. As far as Medicade goes, I found out that they only prescirbe one month's medications at a time ( so there goes bringing months quantities... ) I will just have the meds shipped monthly from the USA. We really want to try out living in Mex ! My husband works online, so if it doesn't work out... we can always come back! What is life if you don't take chances!!! I know for sure that the wonderful weather really helps me a lot with my terrible condition :)

VirtualRPh

Feb 16, 2010, 7:27 AM

Post #33 of 35 (6235 views)

Re: [1beachlover] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Congratulations. Sounds like you've used a forum for just what it is supposed to be, that
of a source of information.
Good Luck.
Jon Boy

mazatlanlee

Feb 16, 2010, 9:20 AM

Post #34 of 35 (6208 views)

Re: [VirtualRPh] Going bk to USA to get my meds?

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Beachlover, I recommend that you don't even THINK of having your medications shipped into Mexico. You will almost certainly loose the meds, and you could be charged with drug smuggling.... read this discussion:

http://www.mexconnect.com/cgi-bin/forums/gforum.cgi?post=134838;search_string=sterile%20syringe%20;t=search_engine#134838

Your plan is beginning to look extremely difficult to accomplish. For us, it was easy as long as we had insurance that allowed us to get all of my husband's meds for the year at one time, but when they changed their policy, and I had to fly NOB to pick them up, it got pretty expensive. He wasn't able to travel at all by then, and any changes in his meds on this end meant that we still had to buy from local farmacias. At one point, for ten days, it was costing $250 (in US equivalent) PER DAY for his meds here, when he needed antibiotics by IV. Have you considered getting a good Rheumatologist in Mexico to take over your care? It might be that you could be put on medications that would work as well, or better than, what you're currently on, and save some money. Just as in things like food and drinks, not all medications sold in the US are sold in exactly the same strength here, if they're sold at all. But, there are alternatives for nearly every medication, and a good doctor would be able to help you get regulated on new meds if yours aren't available. Unfortunately, the cost would all be yours to shoulder. Your plan is starting to look more complicated, not less.

Lee
Lee's Photos: Beyond the Guardrails

jerezano

Feb 16, 2010, 11:04 AM

Post #35 of 35 (6187 views)