MexConnect.com Forums: General: General Forum: IMSS

jerry6y

Feb 28, 2004, 9:24 AM

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IMSS	Can't Post \| Private Reply

I made a search on this subject but did not find the answer to several questions I have. Are any benefits available the first year? The second year? When are benefits available after joining and paying the annual fee? When are emergency benefits available? What is the current annual fee? Thanks for any help.

Carol Schmidt

Feb 28, 2004, 10:27 AM

Post #2 of 9 (670 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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Here's a link to a summary of IMSS pros and cons, from the Guadalajara Reporter, as quoted in InfoSMA:

Carol Schmidt

http://www.infosma.com/services/governme.htm#Social%20Services

jennifer rose

Feb 28, 2004, 8:07 PM

Post #3 of 9 (631 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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For terms and conditions, see http://www.mexconnected.com/mex_/dt/dtimssregs.html.

Go to MexicoConnect's home page http://www.mexconnected.com, and enter IMSS under "site search." That will call up a host of resources about IMSS.

And see http://www.imss.gob.mx.

Jerry@Ajijic

Feb 28, 2004, 8:19 PM

Post #4 of 9 (623 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] IMSS

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For a first hand comment on IMSS, I had a real bad bleeding ulcer and passed out from loss of blood. They carried me to one of the IMSS hospitals in GDL and I was very satisfied with everything there. Not pretty, shiny or new but good treatment, English spoken by all of my doctors and very friendly attitute by everybody.

gpk

Feb 29, 2004, 10:21 AM

Post #5 of 9 (583 views)

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Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] IMSS

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The English was a bonus for you--probably limited to Guadalajara, DF and maybe Monterrey. Here in Guanajuato, the IMSS doctors I know read English perfectly (they use English textbooks in medical school), but they don't get much practice speaking. IMSS is basically good and a terrific bargain by US standards. Hospitals and clinics vary by area and even within cities, but the doctors are well qualified--but also overworked) like some/many HMO doctors in the US. I stay insured with IMSS just for emergencies (car accidents, being hit by a bus, etc.) and pay private doctors for any care I need. I pay just to save my time and trouble--most of the private practice doctors I have used are also full-time IMSS doctors who have a private practice on the side. I'm 53 and it costs about US150.00 per year. It goes up to about US$200 maximum, based on age. The first year coverage is limited, but ever since my first renewal, my ID card has been stamped "sin restriciones", so I guess I can get a kidney transplant if I need it.

jerry6y

Mar 1, 2004, 7:17 AM

Post #6 of 9 (535 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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Thanks to all who have replied to my post but I have still not learned what I wanted to know. I have either been told or read that benefit coverage is not available during the first year of membership and is only partially available during the second year. Recently I was told that emergency benefits were available from the start. Does anyone know the schedule of benefit availability?

gpk

Mar 1, 2004, 8:31 AM

Post #7 of 9 (513 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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The first year coverage is limited, but ever since my first renewal my ID card has been stamped "sin restriciones", so I guess I can get a kidney transplant if I need it. If they know of pre-existing conditions, they will be excluded, and if there are certain pre-existing conditions (e.g. cancer, heart disease and probably others) YOU will be excluded from coverage. It sounds like you are very concerned, perhaps rightly, but I think IMSS is not for anyone who will need extended, ongoing care for a serious condition--it is best for "emergencies".

jerry6y

Mar 1, 2004, 2:55 PM

Post #8 of 9 (469 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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Today I had an opportunity to talk to an attorney and learned that the first year in the system you are only covered for minor illnesses, such as colds, etc. but nothing involving surgery. Year number 2 covers everything except broken bones. In the 3rd year everything is covered. When you are approved any existing condition is listed as not covered. If you have no pre-existing conditions your approval lists no restrictions. I intend to apply shortly but first must obtain a copy of my birth certificate.

gpk

Mar 1, 2004, 3:13 PM

Post #9 of 9 (462 views)

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Re: [jerry6y] IMSS

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Ask at IMSS. Mexican attorneys do not know anything about IMSS--even doctors don't. This is strictly bureaucratic stuff. My IMSS ID card was marked NO RESTRICTIONS at the FIRST renewal.