Forums > General > Living, Working, Retiring

Diana

Apr 15, 2003, 10:37 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1647 views)

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STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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WE HAVE JUST ABOUT GIVEN UP RESEARCHING OPTIONS FOR OBTAINING HEALTH CARE INSURANCE/COVERAGE TO COVER US IN MEXICO. WE HAVE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME CONTACTING INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES. MOST WILL NOT EVEN ACCEPT US DUE TO PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS, EVEN THOUGH SOME OF THOSE CONDITIONS ARE NO LONGER A PROBLEM. OTHERS WILL INSURE, EXCLUDE THOSE CONDITIONS BUT CUT OFF COVERAGE WHEN PEOPLE REACH MID-70'S. IT SEEMS TO US THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE SOME SORT OF PRE-EXISTING PROBLEM (S) BY THE TIME THEY REACH 55 OR 60!

AT THE MOMENT WE SEEM TO BE LEFT WITH THE OPTION OF FLYING BACK TO THE U.S. FOR MOST MEDICAL NEEDS OTHER THAN MINOR PROBLEMS WHICH WE WOULD PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET IN MORELIA. NOW, THAT IS ASSUMING WE COULD MAKE IT BACK TO THE U.S. IN TIME! WE WOULD ALSO NOT HAVE ANY PLACE TO STAY IN THE U.S. IF WE RETURNED.

WE WOULD SINCERELY WELCOME ANY AND ALL IDEAS ABOUT OPTIONS. COMBINATION OF OPTIONS, NAMES OF PEOPLE TO CONTACT WHO MIGHT HAVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS AND INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING ABOUT THIS. CREATIVE IDEAS, THOUGHTS, INSPIRATIONS ALSO SOUGHT!

THANK YOU --DIANA & MARK

Esteban

Apr 15, 2003, 10:52 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1632 views)

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Re: [dianao] STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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Depending on what the pre-existing condition is, it's very difficult to get health insurance in the US. So, you might say, the system is similar in Mexico.

On the good side, there are two pilot programs taking place in Mexico, one in Guadalajara and one in Hermosillo. These programs are being done by medicare to see if it's possible to make medicare available to US citizens, over 65, living in Mexico. No telling how long it will take but you might write your congressmen and push the concept.

There are insurance programs that cover emergency flights back to the US in case you are in dire need of assistance. However, if you base your life on insurance coverage then you may not have much of a choice. Stay put. The US may have the best medical care, technically, in the world but it's available mainly to the wealthiest people if you aren't working. Maybe, living in Mexico and pursuing good health is a better insurance policy than planning for illness?

kayinmx

Apr 15, 2003, 6:27 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1602 views)

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Re: [Esteban] STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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Do you or anyone else have additional info. on tne "pilot ptograms" you mention in your post

spiderwoman

Apr 16, 2003, 7:40 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1570 views)

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Re: [dianao] STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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Our U.S. Health Insurance (BCBS) provides us with the same exact coverage here in Mexico (or anywhere in the world we travel), as we have in the U.S. The only difference is that we have to pay up front for some procedures, prescriptions, etc., and then submit reimbursement forms,,, but we will be reimbursed minus any co-pay we would have if in the U.S. Check with your provider and see if they offer reimbursement while you're out of the country.

Brian

Apr 17, 2003, 7:46 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1528 views)

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Re: [spiderwoman] STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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Spiderwoman

Does BCBS know that you are a resident of Mexico or do you tell them you are just a visitor? I am thinking of switching to them from Kaiser which requires that I be treated at their facilities in the USA. I ask because it would seem that for routine checkups, lab work etc, BCBS would eventually catch on that one wasn't living in the USA anymore.

spiderwoman

Apr 17, 2003, 2:11 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1506 views)

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Re: [Brian] STUMPED-health care coverage while living and retiring in Morelia?

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I told BCBS that we would be in Mexico and Central America indefinitely. However, we do still have a U.S. address that they mail our statements, policy info, etc. to. Our policies are a lifetime medical benefit through my husband's employer, General Motors. I would guess that the coverages vary drastically depending on the policy you have. I am getting regular monthly prescription refills here for migraine meds, and they are reimbursing me for them, so they are well aware that this is not just a vacation.