www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Yes. I can state categorically that medicare will not reimburse you for care at any hospital in Costa Rica.

If your part B is with a private carrier they may reimburse you for
emergency care if you are traveling outside of the United States. I know this was the case with BCBS when I lived in Florida and they were taking care of the part B part.

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

Thanks ID. Guess we have to work on getting that changed in Congress. With a shitload of Boomers about to hit those magic numbers, there may be some juice to get it done. It would really take an organized effort with some group like a consortium of retirement associations.

I am going to write and call the retirement associations to which I belong including AARP.

ID is correct: Medicare is ONLY good in the USA. Accredidation is of no consequence.

Now, if you have a pricey Medigap policy, that MAY cover some stuff....you have to check with the private insurance company that you have purchased the Medigap policy from. Travel Insurance is another option that works for many and one will be surprised at how extensive the coverage just might be. ( http://www.tilloglobe.com/ : this outfit advertises in Tico Times).

I must say, that one must be very careful in refusing Medicare Part B. Once refused you can pick it up at a later date, but you will have to pay 10% extra in premium costs per 12 month period you were not covered. Further, you can only get back in during the General Enrollment Period which is from Jan. 1 - - - March 31 and then the Part B becomes effective July 1. (You can delay Part B and are given something like a 9month window to get back in IF you are covered by an employer and choose not to "retire" at age 65 and such).

Coverage in Canada and Mexico is ONLY for situations when the Canada or Mexico hospital is CLOSER than a USA hospital AND the accident or medical situation happened in the USA. In other words, if you get hurt or sick in Canada or Mexico, you're on your own. If you get hurt or sick in the USA and the closest hospital is in Canada or Mexico, it's allowed. I expect it's one big pain in the rear to get the paper work all settled, however. These situations speak to those of us who live on either border. There is also coverage if you are traveling from Alaska back to the lower 48 via the most direct means possible and something occurs: You are then allowed to use a Canadian hospital.

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

All that is correct. However, you have to look at your individual circumstances.

Each year you elect to op out of part B results in an almost $1200.00 per year (at present rates) savings. If you enroll again and the penalty is an additional 10% premium (approx $10.00 per month/per year) or a total of $120.00. Your savings therefore are $1080 per year.

As to enrollment periods. That could be a problem if you need immediate medical care in the period you are going to be without part B coverage. However, there are ways around that. If you are a veteran an enrolled in the VA system you can use that as a fallback option.

As I said you have to look carefully at your own situation so that you can make an intelligent decision. The expats, I know, who have dropped part B are all full time residents here and have no intention of moving back to the U.S. For them to pay $1200.00 per year for medical coverage they will not use makes no sense.

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

Agree with everything you write my Celtic associate.

I continue to consider securing a dwelling (apartment; condo in San Jose or; house in up in the hills) and health insurance is a big curiosity to me.

These guys who are there forever, may I ask how much money they need, net, per month to make ends meet???

Thanks!

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I recall that topic being covered here in the recent past. IIRC the range was from <$700 (Social Security only) to $3000 per month. It seems that the biggest contributors to the budget are rent, transportation and food. Sounds familiar, huh?

My observation has been that rents can be much lower outside of SJ, but then your transportation cost (need for automobile) may likely more than offset any savings. YMMV

It has been said that if you can live like a Tico then you can get by pretty cheap. If you have to have a deluxe condo in Escazu, eat in Gringo places and drive a new car, forget about it!

_________________
Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Thanks for the input, Western;

As you well know, I'm looking for fairly modest digs, although I admit I do have some North American habits I need to have fed.....

I do believe what I have is enough.....I just have to convince the balance sheets laying around here....

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

S-1

How much it costs to live depends on whether or not you are married or whether or not you shack up with a chicita. If you bring a woman into your life, quadruple or quintuple your estimated cost of living and then you will have NO discretionary funds and go broke more slowly than rapidly, but you will go broke.

Seriously, I think a person can live comfortably here on $1,500 to $2,000 a month as long as you do not purchase a car. Most guys use public transportation and taxis. It is far more convienent and much more economical.

Unless you live way outside the cities and or you have a business which demands the use of a vehicle there is no need to have one. Nice apartments can be had in the city for around $500 a month (furnished and most utilities included). If you live a little farther out you can find apartments for $200 month (unfurnished and no utilities).

Good points, Diego. The same is very much true in the U.S., as well.....enter a woman into your life, and you can expect your living expenses to increase dramatically, quite possibly to the brink of financial ruin. A lot to be said for staying single and solo.

Thanks, DiegoC. No women involved. I fly with stealth and no wing person.

The dollar amount you noted is more than what I'm working with. As well, I have "consumer debt" that has to be serviced each month in the USA. There is always bankruptcy as a tool for financial planning, which I am.

My needs are modest, but I like what I like.....

thanks again....

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

From experience you can find a nice apartment in the 300 to 500 range with utilities running 150 to 300 depending on Cable Service and Internet. My light bill in a 3 bedroom house runs $80 (this is high because of family) , Water $20 to $30, no gas bill, cable and internet $105 per month, rent $550 in a 5 year old house in a gated, guarded, very secure neighborhood. I am 1/2 mile from a big modern mall and PriceSmart (Sams Club). Cabfare from the mall runs less than two dolars, 5 minutes from two bus lines into San Jose. Buses run every 10 minutes. Buses cost less than $1. San Jose is 15 to 20 minutes by bus. Bus drops me off two blocks from Hotel Little Havana. My rent is high because I needed extra space for novia and K*ds. Food costs for week average $150 for family of 4. If alone, I could live great, session a couple times a week, go out of town once a month for between $1500 and $2000.

If you have an American Express card they have travel health insurance that picks up any expense including air ambulance not covered by other insurance. Cost is only 12 USD per month. Is effective when you are over 150 miles from C.C. address in US. Pretty cheap for one who travels and doesn't like potential hassles.

It is over and above the annual fee. You must call and sign up for the program. I have a gold card I don't know about any of the others but I would speculate that program would be available with any AMX card.

They also have another little known program where when renting a car you are charged 24.94 and AMX becomes your primary auto insurance for 42 days. Covers primary damage/loss over what any of your other carriers may cover. Worth it overseas. Does not cover liability however. Just have to use another card in the US to avoid the charge as it is automatic anytime you rent a car. Your normal insurance carrier probably covers you in the US anyway.

Met a guy in a bar in (go figure) who frequented CR and had a long time Novia. (go figure) He was flashing her picture etc. I didn't ask but I don't think he was CRT. He is around 70. Hadn't seen him for a while and asked where he had been and he was PO'd at CR. Seems he stepped in a hole in the sidewalk (go figure) and broke both his ankles. Had to pay 30 some thousand in hospital bills before he could leave the country. Said his health insurance (supplemental medicare) was reimbursing him for some of the expenses. Makes 12 bucks a month for medical insurance from a company, AMX, that probably has an office in the country seem inconsquential if one travels overseas.

I wonder if it was the hole around the corner from the SL on the way to HLH?

He said he is now moving to Mexico, no more CR. He is going to bring his novia to Mexico to live with him. Glutton for punishment I guess.