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Nancy Boyd

Aug 10, 2004, 1:35 PM

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Medicare Question

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When we are 65 and if we are living in Mexico and don't want Medicare (and don't pay for it) will we be given another chance to elect it should we move back to the States? In other words is it a take it now or it's never available again deal? About how much is taken out of SS now for it per person?

Don

Aug 10, 2004, 2:55 PM

Post #2 of 7 (406 views)

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Re: [Nancy Boyd] Medicare Question

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You should find your answers at this site:

http://www.ssa.gov/

At the top of the page you will find "Questions About". Under Choose Subject, scroll to Medicare. You questions should be answered there.

jennifer rose

Aug 11, 2004, 3:59 AM

Post #3 of 7 (356 views)

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Re: [Nancy Boyd] Medicare Question

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Current Medicare beneficiaries pay almost $66.60 USD/month for Medicare Part B (the insurance for outpatient costs such as physician visits). For those Medicare beneficiaries residing permanently in Mexico, opting out of Part B would strike me as wise financial move, especially since there is a way to reinstate Part B coverage.

And the cost Part B will increase next year.

For more information, see http://www.medicare.gov

jerezano

Aug 11, 2004, 6:26 AM

Post #4 of 7 (343 views)

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Re: [Nancy Boyd] Medicare Question

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Hello,

Yes, you will be given an other chance to opt for part B. However, there will be a 10% penalty added for each year that you did not have it. That can be prohibitive.

Think carefully about this. I originally opted not to pay for part B. A year later I opted in, and have been very happy. I visit my heart speacilist in the USA twice a year. I buy medications that are not available here in Mexico using e mail and regular mail delivery to a mail drop, and I have had two cataract operations and a high colon inspection all through part B. I have always regretted that 10% penalty that I must pay for the part B premiums for the rest of my life.

Think carefully. Adios. Jerezano

Georgia

Aug 11, 2004, 7:47 AM

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Re: [Nancy Boyd] Medicare Question

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Consider carefully the decision to opt out. If you ever travel to the US and have a medical emergency, the typical coverage available through Mexican private health insurance policies is probably not adequate. If you ever have a health care problem that can be treated better in the US, you will have that choice. (We have a friend who was advised by her physicians in a Guadalajara hospital that for her situation better care was available in the US.) It's not likely that that will be the case, but it is possible, and that is the function of insurance.

lmaxine

Aug 11, 2004, 11:52 AM

Post #6 of 7 (286 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Medicare Question

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I agree that it's best to take the Part B. I plan to be in Mexico forever, but you never know. I do have a private Mexican major medical plan here, too.
A friend of mine didn't take Part B. Then he had a stroke here and was unable to get the therapies he needed here-in English. Had to buy back into Part B so he could go back to the US for treatment. It was expensive. I feel, better safe than sorry.
"He upon whose heart the dust of Mexico has lain will find no peace in any other land." Malcolm Lowry

Georgia

Aug 11, 2004, 11:56 AM

Post #7 of 7 (285 views)

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Re: [lmaxine] Medicare Question

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Yes, Maxine, that's exactly the kind of scenario that participation in the plan insures against. An excellent example.