Cancel medicare ??

[TundraGreen]

Originally Posted by pappabee

The problem with IMSS, at least here at Lakeside, is you can't get it if you have any health problems. At one time they would allow you to get it but with hold coverage for pre-existing conditions. Now they just will not cover you for anything. I have spoken to someone who had gout and was refused coverage. I have spoken to people who have had shingles and were refused. And don't you try if you've got diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure or anything else.

If you don't need it you might be able to get it.

Do you mean, if you don't need it NOW, you might be able to get it? Then you have it for when you will need it.

That is pretty much what I am doing. I am generally healthy but occasionally use IMSS for stuff and it is there for when (not if) I get into trouble. It is cheap enough that it is good insurance even if I decide to use some other source of medical care as well, like directly paying for something. Also it is all over Mexico, so carrying the booklet with me when I travel, makes it easy to know where to go if something happens when I am away from home.

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by pappabee

The problem with IMSS, at least here at Lakeside, is you can't get it if you have any health problems. At one time they would allow you to get it but with hold coverage for pre-existing conditions. Now they just will not cover you for anything. I have spoken to someone who had gout and was refused coverage. I have spoken to people who have had shingles and were refused. And don't you try if you've got diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure or anything else.

If you don't need it you might be able to get it.

I believe that there is a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies in the US won't cover pre-existing conditions, why should we expect IMSS to cover them.

This smacks of "I'll wait until I'm sick to apply. Why pay for medical coverage if I don't need it today?"

[pappabee]

Originally Posted by joaquinx

I believe that there is a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies in the US won't cover pre-existing conditions, why should we expect IMSS to cover them.

This smacks of "I'll wait until I'm sick to apply. Why pay for medical coverage if I don't need it today?"

The problem is not that it will not cover pre-existing conditions. The problem is that with ANY pre-existing conditions you can not get it.

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by pappabee

The problem is not that it will not cover pre-existing conditions. The problem is that with ANY pre-existing conditions you can not get it.

Is this from personal experience with IMSS or hearsay?

[pappabee]

Originally Posted by joaquinx

Is this from personal experience with IMSS or hearsay?

Both, I went to IMSS and told them that I was diabetic and I was told not even to apply because I would not be accepted. I have spoken to many people here at Lakeside that had the same experiences. Now this might only be the IMSS here at Chapala but since a very large number of Lakeside residents are over 50 many are finding that IMSS is not available to them.

[joaquinx]

Originally Posted by pappabee

Both, I went to IMSS and told them that I was diabetic and I was told not even to apply because I would not be accepted. I have spoken to many people here at Lakeside that had the same experiences. Now this might only be the IMSS here at Chapala but since a very large number of Lakeside residents are over 50 many are finding that IMSS is not available to them.

I wonder if this is because IMSS is in trouble for lack of complete funding. Excluding old gringos could be a way to save money in order to treat the old Mexicans.

I have thought about joining IMSS here in Xalapa, but I like my current heart doctor and don't want to change. Even if I did, I would have to wait a year or so because of the pre-existing condition. Not trying to be smug, but I can afford a private doctor and the medication he prescribes. (700 pesos per visit every three months and 1,200 pesos per month for the medications.) A few months ago, I was hospitalized for a kidney problem and the difference in hospitalization in the US and Mexico is baffling at times. The care was excellent and the cost was low (12,000 pesos for four days). They won't let you out until the bill is paid. Hospital medications are purchased outside the hospital at a local pharmacy by a friend or relative.

[mickisue1]

Originally Posted by joaquinx

I wonder if this is because IMSS is in trouble for lack of complete funding. Excluding old gringos could be a way to save money in order to treat the old Mexicans.

I have thought about joining IMSS here in Xalapa, but I like my current heart doctor and don't want to change. Even if I did, I would have to wait a year or so because of the pre-existing condition. Not trying to be smug, but I can afford a private doctor and the medication he prescribes. (700 pesos per visit every three months and 1,200 pesos per month for the medications.) A few months ago, I was hospitalized for a kidney problem and the difference in hospitalization in the US and Mexico is baffling at times. The care was excellent and the cost was low (12,000 pesos for four days). They won't let you out until the bill is paid. Hospital medications are purchased outside the hospital at a local pharmacy by a friend or relative.

Baffling is putting it mildly.

But this isn't the Bash the US healthcare forum, so I'll leave it at that.

I will say, though, that for me, moving to another country WILL be for good.

I will return to the US for visits, but not to live. Because of that, and the horrendous cost of healthcare in the US, I will, at least as I currently plan it, NOT buy into Medicare part B, but have some sort of temporary Out of Country plan when I'm visiting the US.

[edgeee]

At least i now know i can not count on using IMSS.

I'm pretty sure the comment by pappabee,
"If you don't need it you might be able to get it"
is a direct reflection of the real world.

Just like the banks tell you,
you can easily get a loan if you really don't need the money.
But if you do need it, forget it.

[TundraGreen]

Originally Posted by edgeee

At least i now know i can not count on using IMSS.

I'm pretty sure the comment by pappabee,
"If you don't need it you might be able to get it"
is a direct reflection of the real world.

Just like the banks tell you,
you can easily get a loan if you really don't need the money.
But if you do need it, forget it.

The only qualification I would add is that Pappabee is in Ajijic where, apparently, the large population of aging Estadounidenses and Canadians is impacting IMSS heavily. In other areas, the situation may be different.

Also this idea that you only pay for medical coverage when you need it is strange. That is fine if you are on a "pay as you go for your own expenses", but it makes no sense at all for a shared expense system like IMSS. Hopefully, lots of people who don't need it NOW are subscribing. And like Micki Sue, I will skip the analogous discussion for the US.

[surfrider]

I think that you are right - think that the lakeside people have really put a dent into the "Mexican" society here not only in medical requirements but traffic - housing etc. Not too sure that the Mexicans here like the change either. On the out side they say "Ya its great - it gives money and jobs to the community BUT in private I do not hear them saying like the changes that have taken place. We even had one lady go and shut off the loud speaker system at the church cause she did not like to hear mass every day. Boy was that Priest ticked off. I do not think that the Priest would agree that this lady should be on their medical system.