Medicare in Mexico

Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I'd like to see a concerted effort by all US expats to get congress moving on making Medicare coverage available in Mexico. To that end I have sent messages to both Senators and my Representative in congress and referred them to this article:

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_3856963.

I don't know how to post a link here so you will need to copy and paste the address, but please do it!

Gary

Gary

counting the days.....

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 8:59 AM)

May 24, 2006, 12:00 PM

Post #2 of 33 (3574 views)

Re: [glreichert] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Do you seriously think that the powerful medical lobbies in Washington would allow this to happen?

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 9:00 AM)

Marta R

May 24, 2006, 12:08 PM

Post #3 of 33 (3569 views)

Re: [Gringal] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

No harm in trying, especially in an election year.

Marta

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 9:00 AM)

jerezano

May 24, 2006, 12:54 PM

Post #4 of 33 (3547 views)

Re: [glreichert] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello gireicherf:

Did you mean MEDICAID or MEDICARE? Medicaid is a Federal aid program administered by the States which covers persons of LIMITED income. I would doubt that MEDICAID could ever be extended to a Foreign Country. And I also doubt that MEDICAID even in the USA would be available to most of us here in Mexico.

MEDICARE on the other hand is a totaly administered Federal program and is part of the Social Security System. It might technically be extended to Foreign countries. But even then it would probably be necessary to have intergovernmental convenios or agreements, or even perhaps treaties. The administrative nightmare it would create given the administrative nightmare that it already is would be mind boggling. Never happen in my lifetime. Although, as a user of MEDICARE and a payer of those now rather high premiums I would be happy to see it available here. As it is now, I must return to the USA to use the program's help with visits to my various EXPRNSIVE specialists. My heart doctor charges $80 us dollars for a brief 10 minute routine "well-baby" visit; $120 for a slightly longer visit. Medicare, of course limits those fees to a much more reasonable amount, and with Medicare and my supplemental insurance I usually end up paying nothing--if my deductables have been satisfied.

Adios. jerezano.

[edited to reflect correction in title of previous posts]

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 9:01 AM)

Adirondacker

May 24, 2006, 1:50 PM

Post #5 of 33 (3531 views)

Re: [glreichert] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

My mistake, I meant Medicare. That's what happens when you work in a facility which deals with Medicaid.

Gary

Gary

counting the days.....

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 9:01 AM)

Adirondacker

May 25, 2006, 7:57 AM

Post #6 of 33 (3435 views)

Re: [Gringal] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I do believe if enough people contact their elected representatives the rules can change. I know it will not be easy or quick but it needs to be started. If we can find one Senator to champion the cause it can start to move forward.

Gary

counting the days.....

(This post was edited by tonyburton on May 25, 2006, 9:01 AM)

sandykayak

May 25, 2006, 10:23 AM

Post #7 of 33 (3396 views)

Re: [jerezano] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I had hopes also...until I read Jerezano's statement: <<But even then it would probably be necessary to have intergovernmental convenios or agreements, or even perhaps treaties. The administrative nightmare it would create given the administrative nightmare that it already is would be mind boggling. Never happen in my lifetime. >>

I know people whose stateside medical insurances does reimburse them and the delays and hassles are stumbling blocks.

Can you imagine a US organization doing medical reviews/approvals/reimbursement with multiple Mexican health care providers??????

Not in my lifetime either...pity.
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

gbatrucks

May 25, 2006, 10:54 AM

Post #8 of 33 (3390 views)

Re: [Adirondacker] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I prefer the more cynical approach...As scumbag politicians only care about geting re-elected, they are aware that not that many citizens are ex-pats & many if not most of them are so disgusted with the system, they don't bother to vote. Therefor, there is nothing in it for them to cover us, even if it is obviously the moral and just thing to do. When I think about politicians, moral & just usually does not come to mind. If we represented a larger voting block, maybe something would happen.
"The trouble with life is there's no background music."

May 25, 2006, 4:57 PM

Post #9 of 33 (3334 views)

Re: [sandykayak] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

TRICARE pays worldwide, so it is technically feasible. What is lacking is the will of Congress, and it is not clear to me what troubles eminent lawmakers about the idea. I suppose that by refusing us our due they are saving money.

May 25, 2006, 8:43 PM

Post #10 of 33 (3296 views)

Re: [El Príncipe] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

"I suppose that by refusing us our due they are saving money. "

Could this be possible? ROFL

jennifer rose

May 25, 2006, 9:47 PM

Post #11 of 33 (3284 views)

Re: [El Príncipe] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post |

TRICARE is managed by the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System, an agency separate and distinct from the U.S. Health & Human Service, which manages Medicare. Comparing the two is a matter of apples and Volkswagens. And beyond that, the criteria for eligibility, administration and benefits differ greatly. Finally, TRICARE impacts a much smaller class of eligibles than does Medicare.

Before blaming the medical lobby and politicians, take a moment to consider how extending Medicare benefits to those living in Mexico would be administered. Electronic billing, fraud and abuse control, contracting, coordination of benefits are just some of the issues to be considered.

About a decade ago, the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas did conduct a study and conference considering the feasibility and impact of extending Medicare benefits to expatriates living in Mexico. The project continues, and you can read about it at http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~healthp/index.html. The primary issue is a matter of infrastructure. An argument in favor of the cost-effectiveness of extending benefits to those living in Mexico can be found at http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~healthp/eval_cost_effect.html.

There's a great deal more involved than simply passing a law and making it so.

More than two years ago, MexicoConnect issued a call for articles about this issue. See http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/ed/ed0204.html.

(This post was edited by jennifer rose on May 25, 2006, 9:50 PM)

May 26, 2006, 12:15 AM

Post #12 of 33 (3269 views)

Re: [jennifer rose] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

There is no denying that TRICARE and MEDICARE are managed by two different government agencies. Nor is the fact that TRICARE ministers to a smaller group of recipients in dispute. Nonetheless, TRICARE labours under the same constraints as regards electronic billing, fraud and abuse control, contracting, coordination of benefits, and all the other mandatory safeguards that come into play when disbursing public funds. TRICARE does it. I believe that MEDICARE can do it, as well. In any event, I do not subscribe to the idea that it is for technical reasons only that MEDICARE is withheld from otherwise eligible beneficiaries outside the United States.

(This post was edited by El Príncipe on May 26, 2006, 2:39 AM)

May 26, 2006, 10:07 AM

Post #13 of 33 (3196 views)

Re: [El Príncipe] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

My previous comment was unduly frivolous, so here's my serious input on the issue.

People who decided to move to Mexico did so voluntarily, knowing they would lose access to Medicare coverage unless they went back to the U.S. for treatment. For many, this is not practical, but they moved here anyway.

Now, they complain about the unfairness of the situation. For me, this is not consistent. Once you volunteer for an action, you should accept the consequences.

Is it "right" for the government to make no provision for expats?

There are at least 45 million Americans living in the U.S. who have no health insurance. It is given as one of the primary reasons for declaring bankruptcy. I think those people should and will be first in line for any legislative relief.

Meanwhile, we expats are enjoying the benefits of a country whose medical care is affordable by most of us, even without health insurance. We have choices. We can stay and pay or return to the U.S. for our care.

We are at the bottom of the list for legislative relief, and this is probably as it should be.

johanson

May 26, 2006, 10:50 AM

Post #14 of 33 (3180 views)

Re: [Gringal] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Sure it would be nicer if my medicare coverage reached me in Mexico, but because I am almost a snowbird, I'm usually in Mexico, I get that expensive help and my expensive medications for almost free when I am up North. I just signed up for the the medicare drug plan. The trouble is, you can not get more than a 90 day supply at any one time. But if you can cut your pills in half, you can get a 180 day supply.

So no Medicare is not perfect for me, but it sure beats not having it.

May 26, 2006, 11:05 AM

Post #15 of 33 (3173 views)

Re: [johanson] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Snowbirds rule!

Ron Pickering W3FJW

May 26, 2006, 12:16 PM

Post #16 of 33 (3156 views)

Re: [Gringal] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Amen.. Gringal. One cannot have their cake and eat it also.
Getting older and still not down here.

(This post was edited by Ron Pickering W3FJW on May 26, 2006, 12:19 PM)

sfmacaws

May 26, 2006, 12:59 PM

Post #17 of 33 (3144 views)

Re: [johanson] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

While I am not yet on Medicare, I do have medical coverage with my retirement. It's not great (Kaiser) because I don't want to spend xtra on a better plan, but it does offer some services that I take advantage of as another "snowbird". I try to get in and get any testing done while I am NOB and I suppose that if I developed a serious condition I would return for care. I also carry insurance that will return me to my Kaiser facility of record. Depends though, as I don't have a lot of faith in Kaiser and I think I could get as good or probably better care in Mexico. I might try submitting the bill to Kaiser as a travel illness if it was a big deal.

I agree with Gringal, there are others in the US that should be first in line for some medical cost relief. If you can afford to move to another country, paying your medical expenses should be part of your decision.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

May 26, 2006, 4:55 PM

Post #18 of 33 (3112 views)

Re: [Gringal] Medicare/Medicaid in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thank you. My comments were meant to speak to the idea that establishment of earned MEDICARE support for those living outside the United States is not technically feasible, and did not venture into the area of what is morally proper. I certainly agree with you (and others) that it is reprehensible, even shameful, that many Americans living in the USA have no medical cover, but I do not think it is seriously related to the original question of whether MEDICARE should pay for services outside the United States. Both situations appear to be problematic; both, then, ought to be addressed. Meanwhile, I do not anticipate that Congress will, in the near future, do anything at all about the question of MEDICARE overseas. Whether funds that might have paid for such an extension will be diverted to provision of health insurance for residents of the United States is another matter.

Jerry@Ajijic

May 26, 2006, 9:10 PM

Post #19 of 33 (3071 views)

Re: [gbatrucks] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I do not think that enough consideration on this thread has been given to the amount of money the US would save by paying Mexico prices. The savings would be unbelivable. This is probably why it will never happen. Medicare is supposed to pay about 80% of "covered things". By the time they figure in what is not covered you usually wind up paying about 30 or 40% of the total unless you have a supplement insurance policy. Here you can pay 100% and still be paying a whole lot less than NOB on just Medicare. That is the main reason we will probably not get Medicare coverage here. Can you guess what the impact on the medical profession NOB would be if a body could just go SOB and save a bunch of money for as good or probably better care.

Georgia

May 27, 2006, 6:19 AM

Post #20 of 33 (3040 views)

Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

I have always harbored the suspicion that health insurance that covers everything is part of what has boosted the cost of health care (other factors being cost of living, medical malpractice insurance and the cost of an education) .... all that bookeeping and the staff the doctors need to recoup insurance payments. I'd hate to see that same system here, to be honest. Major medical insurance (used to be called "hospitalization" insurance when I was young) as the only norm seems to cut costs a lot.

Esteban

May 27, 2006, 8:06 AM

Post #21 of 33 (3022 views)

Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

There have been a few pilot programs , in Mexico, in the last few years, attempting to get doctors, clinics and hospitals certified with the Medicare system. If you know the system, to get lower fees paid for medical care because it costs less in Mexico, would require a brand new medical coding system. Those coding systems are similar to IRS codes. In otherwords, it's complicated beyond belief. The intentions of the pilot programs were to establish care for expats. However, when the codes are put into the billing system, the Mexican doctors would receive the same amount as up north, not lower as one might assume.The REALITY of this situation is that the most recent pilot program was denied because the current administration doesn't want to expand Medicare, for any reason because that means m ore people would be making claims. The money is not there and the situation with the millions of baby boomers hitting Medicare soon, is a financial disaster. <----That's an understatement! Maybe the bird flu will solve all the world health problems with all humans dying, no more mass use of anti environmental whatchamacallits and God's children, the Cockroaches will live on to inherit the earth. They are much more suited to survive than the homo sapien.

thriftqueen

May 27, 2006, 9:55 AM

Post #22 of 33 (3003 views)

Re: [Georgia] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

In 1985 I was working in ABQ, NM for PNM, listed on the NYSE, they provide much of the utilities for the state of NM - the first managed healthcare company got it's foot in the door (they were touted as a role model for new type of healthcare in the US). I was in my late 40s, most of my co-workers were younger. We went to the informational meeting and to receive sign-up packets. My co-workers were so excited, gosh, only $5.00 co-pay for a doctor visit, yada, yada. I was cynical as I knew no one gets something for nothing and it was too good to be true. You guys know "the rest of the story". I think when for profit providers got into the healthcare act it ruined the system totally.

CRAZBS

May 27, 2006, 11:10 AM

Post #23 of 33 (2988 views)

Re: [thriftqueen] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

What I'm trying to figure out is why you are still liable for taxes in the States when you live in Mexico, but you are not eligible for benefits because you live in Mexico???

Rolly

May 27, 2006, 12:31 PM

Post #24 of 33 (2967 views)

Re: [CRZ] Medicare in Mexico

Can't Post | Private Reply

You are liable for taxes in the USA only if you have income from within the USA.

Rolly Pirate

May 27, 2006, 7:33 PM

Post #25 of 33 (2921 views)