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twelveoaks

Jul 28, 2011, 8:05 AM

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Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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Hello,

I am a retired American that will be relocating to Cuernavaca. I have taken a seminar on moving to Mexico in Ajijic and have been told that IMSS is excellent health care. However,, other people have expressed different views although they were not actually enrolled in IMSS. So, I would really like to hear from those who are actually using the program as to quality of hospitals, doctors and overall care. I will be residing in Cuernavaca so any personal experiences about IMSS there would be greatly appreciated, as well.

cookj5

Jul 28, 2011, 12:30 PM

Post #2 of 7 (2923 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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In Reply To

We have been on IMSS since shortly after we arrived in Ajijic. Forunately, we have never had occasion to use their services, which we keep just for catastrophic purposes. We pay for routine care out-of-pocket because it is so cheap and available. The quality of services and ease of access to the IMSS system seem to vary widely according to location. Here in the Lake Chapala area (Jalisco State) IMSS has a very spotty reputation, possibly due to the specific people who are running the office here. People in other areas report much better results. It would be best to get feedback from those who have actually accessed IMSS in the Cuernavaca area.

jrpierce

Jul 28, 2011, 3:12 PM

Post #3 of 7 (2884 views)

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Re: [cookj5] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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I think you've given the OP excellent advice. So much depends on the local operation that the only valid opinion must come from those familiar with Cuernavaca. Like you, my wife and I have IMSS as a backup plan for catastrophic care. We are also carrying private insurance in Mexico. As it happens, we are paying most medical costs out of pocket, because they are below the deductible for our private insurance, and because we choose not to wait through the interminable lines at IMMS (we are in Morelia). Things like flu shots are free at IMMS, however rather than wait through long lines, we usually get them at our regular doctor's office.

We have friends who have used IMMS in Guadalajara for surgery. While the surgeries were performed competently, I would have to say that the atmosphere in the hospitals was unpleasant. I would only want to have major medical work done there if there were no other options. That said, it didn't seem any worse than I've seen in inner city hospitals in the USA.

We still have saved so much money compared with what we were paying in the US, we are fine with it all.

Jim

Grieger-Lods

Aug 4, 2011, 1:14 PM

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Re: [twelveoaks] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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We applied for IMSS as soon as we arrived here in Puebla as we were about to turn 65. We have been using the clinic closest to our house (there are many) for over 6 months and we are impressed with the service and care we receive. My husband is given a monthly appointment where he receives a script to pick up his medications. They are they same ones he received in the US but there is no co-pay. He has never had to wait more than 5 minutes for an appointment. To get his Px, he usually returns to the clinic in the afternoon when (at our site) there is no line. Overall, he feels he gets better care and is being monitored more closely than in the US. The Mexican people we talk to here that have used IMSS for years also like it. I do use only "medicina preventive" at the clinic as I do not need monthly meds. I am very happy we applied and were accepted. We also have inssurance in the US that came with our retirement package. We hope to not use it.

dongringo_catemaco

Aug 4, 2011, 7:23 PM

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Re: [Grieger-Lods] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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Of course no one questioned you whether you qualified for a program designed for the poorest of the poor in Mexico.
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Rolly

Aug 4, 2011, 7:40 PM

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Re: [dongringo_catemaco] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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"...a program designed for the poorest of the poor in Mexico."

That is not true. IMSS is open to anyone who wishes to join.
Membership is automatic and free for people working for most companies.
For those not covered who cannot afford IMSS, there is Seguro Popular which, I suppose, might be cynically called for the poorest of the poor.

Rolly Pirate

dongringo_catemaco

Aug 5, 2011, 11:59 AM

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Re: [Rolly] Need opinions on IMSS from those enrolled in Program

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I stand corrected. I was thinking Seguro Popular.

IMSS has a once a year window to enroll for none employees. If you have employees, including your maid, she should be enrolled in IMSS which in actuality functions similar to social security and medicare in the US. Most people and small businesses ignore the regulations. Lately there is a push to register employees. A few days ago, Veracruz reported 5000 violators busted.

Depending on where you are, IMSS is useless because it usually is overburdened. It's primary use for those that can afford to, is sort a like a major medical policy, which allows you to be entered into their hospitals and be operated on, unless you have time limited pre existing conditions. I have IMSS through my Popoluca and have never used it. When she got sick she refused to go IMSS and instead cost me a small fortune.

I also carry major medical with the former ING to the tune of 1200 US a year (just
short of 70, when it goes up again.

I do not want to shortchange IMSS. It does have some of the best facilities in Mexico. But like so much else, it depends on where you live.
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