www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Have been going to the Doctor for the past couple of weeks.
Seems I had high blood pressure so he puts me on 300 mgs. of Coaprovel a day and bam, the pressure drops like a rock. He's happy, I'm happy and most important, it's dosen't affect my permance with the chicas.
I'm so happy, I gave up smoking! Tomorrow will mark a week without a smoke.
Ok, here's to so so part. Do any of you know a cheap pharmacy in San Jose, San Pedro? The Coaprovel cost 36,000 colones for a months supply.
Anybody know of a discount pharmacy that can help me out?
LVSteve

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.

Glad you gave up the cig's the way you were chain smoking last week playing the one armed bandits, I thought you might throw a 7 RIGHT THERE!

See you soon.

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Thank you for supporting CRT!

Steve,

Last I spoke to you, you were in the process of getting your CR residency.

Once you have it, you may want to enroll in the Caja (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social). I pay a c17500 monthly premium and get my medications for free. They would cost me over $200 a month over the counter. The only caveat is that there are a few medicines that you can't get through them--so you may want to check first.

I use both a private doctor and the Caja services. For example, my Clinica Biblica doctor ordered a bunch of lab tests and I then went to the Caja to get them done for free (only downside was that the tests were scheduled three weeks down the road).

LVS,

First things first, congratulations on the stop smoking program, I did it 5 years ago and it was the very best thing I could have done.

I would also advise you to join the CAJA when you become a resident. I joined thru the Association of Resident of Costa Rica (ARCR) and they handle all of the paperwork. There group rate is $37.00 per month. So far my care from the CAJA has been great.

They do not have one medication I use and do not have an equivalent. The cheapest place I have found is Farmacia Alvarez in Heredia (237-5425). The pharmacist Johanna Alvarez speaks English. At Farmacia Cathedral in San Jose payed 10800 colones for 10 pills, at a farmacia near the post office payed 9900. At Farmacia Alvarez paid 9000. That is the cash price which is 10% less than if you pay by CC. Went there yesterday picked up the medication and spoke with Johanna and she agreed in the future would deliver to my house.

Will talk with you Sunday if you want any more info.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Hey Steve,

It was great meeting you last week. I’m glad your BP is now under control and that you’ve stopped smoking. Best of luck to you.

Check your PM.

-SOB

"Salud, pesetas, y amor, y el tiempo para gozarlos"
"Health, wealth and love - and the time to enjoy them"

Congradulations my friend on quitting smaking for one week. As I have told you,it gets easier,the longer you are off the butts. As far as the insurance for meds is concerned,makew sure you ask about pre-existing conditions before you buy anything. I have discussed changing my ins.to the plans available here but they do not cover anything you already have. (such as high blood pressure)

The plans offered by the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) do not cover pre-existing conditions. You do not have to be a resident to purchase one of these plans.

The CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) plan does cover pre-existing conditions. You must have legal residency to be eligible for this plan.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

One correction or addition...the CCSS plan is also available to you if you have a corp here and not residency. I pay a little more than the ARCR group plan, but I dont have to mess with residency...what a hassle AND cost. All meds free and covers pre-existing.

TMan et al;
No corp but maybe I should do that.
In the meantime, thanks to members of this board and others, I have found a place that is charging me 17,000 colones per month for my BP medication. I think thats pretty good compared to the states.
Thanks everyone!
LVSteve

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Just an old horney, fat gambler.

TMan wrote:

Thanks for the correction was unaware of the Corporation eligibility. Thats a way for guys who for one reason or another do not want to get residency to qualify.

The cost, even if a little more than the ARCR group rate, has got to be one of the greatest bargains in health care in the world.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine