Medicare Advantage in Mexico: Yes, It's Possible!

[@sandrabentley8111]

Very good. So pleased he talked about the folks who are still working past 65, get coverage through their employer and are collecting retirement benefits also. Good to confirm that no Medicare part B is required until health care coverage ceases at the job. Very well explained. Thank you.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm so happy to make videos with Ron - he's a wealth of knowledge and great at explaining things!

[@cindyeverythingcozumel]

Thanks for introducing Ron I sent a message and he immediately returned doing a quick evaluation of my plan living in Cozumel and Colorado

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Fantastic!

[@gilbertedgett194]

Ron Elridge is A great resource of Medicare info! You have the best videos & interviews! Thank you!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you for this compliment!

[@cindyeverythingcozumel]

Very much appreciated I’m sharing this channel wherever I can

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@cindyeverythingcozumel Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Tycobb10]

Thanks for a revealing interview pointing out it's not as simple as the topic of Medicare Advantage and expat coverage is often presented.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Well said!

[@catherineromero1862]

That was the most simple and succinct explanation I think I have heard so far. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You're very welcome! Ron does a great job of explaining how this stuff works!

[@cecilbatts8835]

and it is still very confusing to me.@@AlmostRetiredinMexico

[@maryerickson5109]

Super helpful, thank you so much!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Happy to share!

[@cardiff1823]

Thanks Brighton. Very helpful information. I live full time in Los Cabos. I got very sick early this year and spent around $800 for care here. I submitted my claim to Kaiser and they asked to see proof of travel. Fortunately I had a recent plane ticket to include in my claim.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Interesting- so they wanted to see how long you’d been in Mexico?

[@cardiff1823]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I guess they wanted to see that I had been to the States within the last 6 months. Funnily enough, the plane ticket was from Tijuana (not San Diego) to Guanajuato.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I guess someone at Kaiser isn't great at geography! But it sounds like it worked out for you.

[@martigallagher7250]

Amazing content for us! Thanks B!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You bet

[@gregoriopuro]

I have Plan G.. covers pretty much everything, including prescriptions.. $260 yearly deductible...

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

What about when you leave the US for more than 60 days?

[@sandrabentley8111]

@greg. I thought Part D was for meds?

[@gregoriopuro]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico go to local clinics and pay out of pocket.. Medicare is for major issues and yearly tests and check ups

[@andreawisner7358]

After being on Part B, are there no-cost Advantage Plans such that the Part B $170 doesn't need to be paid?

[@debrucer]

My Kaiser advantage plan, according to the Kaiser app on my Phone, supposedly is accepted worldwide by Cigna medical providers. App goes on to say there are no pre-payments with reimbursement, and no claim forms to fill out. It’s not clear if this is emergency only, or any medical requirements. I haven’t found a Cigna provider in Ensenada, MX yet; but I know Cigna is in Mexico. Do you have any information on this?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I don't have any info. I know that Cigna has a global coverage option, so I"m assuming that Kaiser is using that to provide global coverage. However, I couldn't figure out how to find providers included in their global plan. As I understand, most US insurance carriers are less stringent about overseas care because the prices are soooo much less than they pay out in the US. Let me know if you're able to find an answer online.

[@debrucer]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I will. I’ve also posted in the Ensenada Expats group and people are following there. I plan to check out some local sources. I’ve started a contact with Cigna and have an email address for someone who hopefully can help. Thank you for your response.

[@debrucer]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I suffered several days of LPG propane gas poisoning and the advice nurse associated with my general practitioner in San Diego wrote the following today (19/2/2024) Still no answer on how to locate a CIgna provider; but confirmation of the appropriate procedure, plus two additional providers I'd never heard about. Outside of Kaiser Permanente states, you can often pay your normal copay or coinsurance for prescriptions you receive too - no need to file a claim for reimbursement later. Find a location near you: Kaiser Permanente locations: Urgent and emergency care options available. Members will only pay a copay or coinsurance. Cigna PPO Network providers12: Urgent and emergency care options are available in states where Kaiser Permanente does not operate. Members will be billed for their copay or coinsurance later. MinuteClinic locations: Urgent care options available. Members will only pay a copay or coinsurance. Concentra clinics: Urgent care options available. Members will only pay a copay or coinsurance. The Little Clinic: Urgent care options available. Members will only pay copay or coinsurance. If you go to a Cigna, MinuteClinic, Concentra, or The Little Clinic location in a state with Kaiser Permanente facilities, you’ll be asked to pay the full cost of your care upfront and will need to file a claim for reimbursement.

[@lenorawilson2326]

The puppies are super cute

[@MsChicoro]

Thank you!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You bet!

[@cindyk3076]

Wow, I learned how wrong I was about the Advantage Plan! I'm so glad that you had Ron back on for this discussion, I had no clue about the 6 month condition, man that stinks, lol. I took his contact info that you provided, I will have to get in touch with him to get the right plan for me. Your foster babies are SO cute! I hope Nugget is doing better and Kat will be able to join you soon! Thank you so much for this video.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Cindy. Nugget is improving (although even with the cone on her head, she managed to rip off her bandage last night.) I'm hoping that Kat, Nugget and Butters will be in Mexico by February 1.

[@cindyk3076]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico 🤞

[@carlturner8382]

I’m guessing if you were island hopping you could just check in to a clinic (or pharmacy?) on a US Virgin Island or US Territory sometimes (?)…

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I believe you are correct!

[@wayneatwd]

At 22:45, Ron mentions a "one page document from Social Security" defining what constitutes residency. He supplied a link; but it's not here. Brighton, would you please add it?

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

I'm keeping my little hovel in Florida so I can have an address in the states until I get settled, then find a place closer to wherever I "land". to use as a US home base. My supplement plan works best for me. No co-pays, no approvals, no referrals, can go anywhere in the states. I'm expecting to be able to afford medical care in MX, I'll have to return to the states periodically for more expensive stuff, but more on my schedule. Perhaps use a brokerage like Fidelity or your social security check; best interest, too, free ATM, checks, no fees....

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sounds like a good plan. Supplement plans are more limited time-wise when you are out of the country. Your plan sounds good. 99% of care in Mexico is affordable. But what about the unexpected emergency? Will you buy evac insurance to return to the states?

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I'm not sure what I'll do in an extreme emergency. If the local medical folks can't handle it, probably just die or deal with it. I'll always have at least one dog (if I were there, I'd be fostering - did rescue here for twenty years, private - just stopped) and I won't abandon my 4-paw family. Thank you.

[@lorettaalake9811]

What about COVID when travel was shut down? Did Advantage make an exception to the 6 month requirement?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm guessing they did not make exceptions. The US always allowed citizens and residents to come back to the US and the Mexican border was open. I'm not sure how it worked out for people who were in countries that might have been more restrictive. Even Canada allowed US citizens to return to the US on flights that would have been restricted to Canadians.

[@andreawisner7358]

Possibly. US immigration did make an exception for people who could strongly demonstrate that they were for some reason unable to return to the US. For example, maybe flying on a plane would be a huge risk to an immune compromised person.

[@Gary-f2z]

LYes you can use Medicare BUT YOU have to claim An emergency and no matter how the Dr. Claim It if you get an audit, ups! You could lose your Medicare. The fines are tough and expensive. Live there 10 years and worked For Medicare for 25 years. The Dr.s in Ajijic under scrutinize.

[@tanweerahmed55]

Please write small boolets about all information

[@thaidawg9231]

Are there Homeopathic Doctors in Mexico ?

[@kellyname5733]

Yes and naturopaths/herbalist too.There are also Ayurvedic practitioners as well. The caveat is that in smaller towns, there might be limited natural practitioners. Do your research and call each place in Mexico..ask tons of questions.

[@thaidawg9231]

Thanks !@@kellyname5733

[@gregoriopuro]

Dude comes off as if he's being attacked... Very defensive

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry - the original plan with this video was to react to the comments to our first video together. And there were one or two people who were on the attack - so I think that's what he was responding to.

[@kellyname5733]

That person was not on the attack. Attack is over the top for sure. Knowing both sides of Medicare Advantage and regular Medicare is critical and could save someone life. Truthfully if someone feels they must refute a supposed attack, well maybe there is something to investigate about Medicare Advantage. Many people tell horrid stories about Medicare Advantage..yes they are real people that suffered under the Medicare Advantage plan administered by 'private insurance' companies. Do much research before you make your choice. Know without any reservations based on your own research.

[@andreawisner7358]

Because technically if you're living in Mexico and only going to the US once or twice per year for a few days, you may NOT be maintaining your US residence. It all turns on intent. You must choose one residence. And ss can look at your house in Mexico where you spend 11.5 months per year for several years and decide that that overrides the US Bank account and drivers license in terms of evidence of your intent. This is the legal analysis, coming from an attorney.

[@kellyname5733]

@@andreawisner7358 andrea you are correct. However 'Intent' Is extremely difficult to substantiate/prove in a court of law.. Most 'intent' cases never yield any meaningful results.

[@davebaker489]

So, so very glad to be Canadian. You guys complicate Everything so much. With our FREE health coverage it's so much easier. It's really too bad your various governments didn't think your citizens were worth it . Sure I'm bragging a bit But in the long run the country and everyone in it would be better served if only the powers that be, thought you were worth the trouble. (very cute pups by the way) P n D

[@sammencia7945]

Canadian healthcare isn't free. Your high taxes paid for it and during the bug your government treated you as property. Do what Trudeau demanded or else. No choice. Because all of you are on a gov't healthcare plan. Your CPP also pays poorly and nowhere near enough to retire in Canada and below average for USA SSA.

[@geraldallen6602]

Sir, Madam please don't think your insurance is free. I am a Canadian who has lived outside of Canada for over 30 years, the US system seems complicated but when treatments are required I see a specialist immediately. There are advantages to both, but nothing is free.

[@davebaker489]

In country the Docs do NOT charge. Out of country it can be different yes. But it is far less complicated in country or out. You are right that nothing is free. But for my last operation (in Canada) the only cost was for parking that day. And finally my tax dollars fund the the Doctors, Nurses, Orderlies, Hospitals etc. @@geraldallen6602

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I much prefer the Mexican system. There is public and private insurance options (and the public system is robust.) The US system is too privatized and the Canadian system doesn't have great private options (or maybe they are just really expensive.) I'd rather pay taxes to cover insurance for all than pay outrageous rates for private healthcare so that some companies and shareholders can get rich. I'd love to hear how @geraldallen6602 got immediate treatment from a specialist in the USA. For me to see my primary doctor takes 60-90 days. And I have to see my primary for a referral to a specialist. It seems the best insurance in the US is Original Medicare (but half the country is afraid of "socialist" anything...)

[@davebaker489]

Nor do they actually know what it is. Re private options ? What the heck are you talking about ? Also was that missing panel from the 737 found in your backyard ? Finally have you seen the billboard at Rt. 26 and Bethany blvd. That's our friend with the "new" heart. @@AlmostRetiredinMexico