“Hi Barb
I am finally getting around to telling you about my dental experience in Playa Del Carmen. You can modify this if you like and share with your readers.  (Barbie = That’s on the east coast of Mexico, south of Cancun, and across from Cozumel.)

“Just a note on my great dental experience in Playa Del Carman, Mexico.  

“The web site for (the) dentist office is www.clinicadeespecialidadesdentales.com  and the dentist is Dr Rubin.

“At bottom of their website you can email them  for appointments.  Their location is downtown, close to the ocean and many hotels.

“I had 3 implants and 4 root canals done. The cost of an implant is $1000 and includes
implant and stub. The crown is $500 so the total is $1500.  Root canal and placement of metal rod for crown is $300 and crown $500.

“They don’t charge extra for Novocain,  impressions, etc.  Total is total and you couldn’t get better work done in U.S.A.  Work was done pain free and you can get pain pills at Wal-Mart for very cheap.  Bob N. ”

Thanks so much for writing,  and letting me share your experience with my readers, Bob!  

Now, Readers, if you haven’t already done so, you can read some more dental experiences by choosing “Dentists” on the right, under “Things I Write About” .

And, just FYI – info on performing a “Search” on my site : 

When you do a search on my site, you can use the box at the top to type in the category you are specifically interested in and select “go” and that will bring up an article.  Then, at the bottom of that article you will see “Read Previous Article”. Select that and just continue, article after article, on that subject, until there are no more, then, other categories of articles come up.

Or you can decide which subject you want to read about i.e. “Healthcare”, or “Dentists”, on the right, under “Things I Write About” – then, that will bring up one article and, again, you then go to another by selecting “Read Previous Article” at the bottom of each article, same as above.  Barbie

In fact, public health care is guaranteed to all Mexican citizens regardless of pre-existing conditions. (Foreign residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease. If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s mandatory you discuss it with a doctor at IMSS to see if it would be covered later, or if it will affect your coverage as a whole.)

If you are accepted, IMSS covers only minor illness, such as colds etc., and nothing involving surgery the first year. The second year the insurance will cover everything other than broken bones, and orthopedic surgery. The third year finally covers everything. Medication is covered as well for anything needed for diagnoses, and it is provided toyou during your visit. Prescriptions are not covered if you buy it at any other pharmacy.  Any pre-existing condition that is not reported and later found to exist causes cancellation of all coverage. Again, I must stress:  If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s mandatory you discuss it with a doctor at IMSS to see if it would be covered later, or if it will affect your coverage as a whole.

Mexico’s healthcare system is a part of their social security system called “Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social” or IMSS for short. The IMSS is a tripartite system funded equally by private employees, private employers, and the federal government.

IMSS hospitals are well equipped with many staff doctors known for their practices in private hospitals.

Requirements for proof of birth date, nationality, etc. can be satisfied with a current passport. Doctors at the clinic can conduct the necessary examination and determine eligibility.

Upon acceptance, cost is per person per year and according to age: as much as 3000 pesos for age 60+ to as low as 977 pesos for age 19 and under (these rates are for March 2004). The cost is subject to change from year to year.

IMSS healthcare is available in most major cities and it takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid.

IMSS healthcare consists of:

1. Clinics with general practitioner who is qualified to handle minor illnesses and injuries.

2. Small hospitals with surgeons, internists and pediatricians.

3. Large intensive-care facilities with various specialists.

The general requirements for joining the IMSS program are:

1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, with the assistance of a doctor. (Make sure you report all pre-existing conditions – it can put your coverage at risk if you don’t)

2. Submit to a basic medical examination which includes checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart. Other tests may be requested.

This is from one of my friends living in Mexico:

“Mexican national health insurance through IMSS (the Social Security system here) can be purchased by foreign residents. Runs around $300 or so per person per year. However, we’re in good health, and prefer to pay out of pocket for private care if and when the need arises. Private care here is so affordable that paying as you go is a viable option, depending upon your risk tolerance and the depth of your resources.”

The cost of the health care coverage is approximately $350.00 U.S. per year. You may apply only in January, February, July and August. This program is open to all foreigners regardless of nationality and/or immigration status.

You can read more about Mexico’s health care system over at Wikipedia.

Affordable, quality health care is one of the primary reasons more and more people are choosing to retire in Mexico. Quite frankly they simply cannot afford quality health care in the U.S.

Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard stories from vested interests that would paint Mexico’s health care system in some very unflattering colors.

But before you make a decision based on what you may hear or see on TV, you should ask real retirees who have been the recipients of low cost, affordable health care — in Mexico.

I can tell you honestly and wholeheartedly: If I had to go to a dentist in the U.S. to get my dental work done, I would be TENS of thousands of dollars in debt. Fact.

Am I exaggerating? Certainly not. And thankfully, I have a beautiful smile for a fraction of the cost of what I would have paid an expensive dentist in the U.S.

The quality of dental care that I get in Mexico meets and exceeds the quality I used to receive (but can no longer afford) in the U.S.

But I digress. As I was saying: Health care in Mexico is surprisingly affordable. Here are some random prices from private clinics in Chetumal — down on the “tail” of Mexico –south of Cancun – in U.S. dollars:

• Private room in a hospital, $50 per day
• Exam and consultation with a specialist, $15
• Ultrasound or X-ray , $15
• Oral surgery, $50 per tooth
• Porcelain filling, $30 each.
• Teeth cleaning, $25
• Emergency room treatment, $15
• Exploratory abdominal surgery and appendectomy using video laporoscopy.
• Four-day hospital stay in a private room, all fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and medication. $1,200.

The professionals who practice their profession in Mexico after studying abroad hoping to make their country better is one reason the health care system is so friendly.  All of my experiences with health care professionals in Mexico have been excellent. They are highly skilled, good, compassionate doctors and nurses.

The National Health Care Program, IMSS:

1. Available in most major cities.

2. Takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid.

3. At IMSS clinics you do not have a choice of physicians. 

Available in Mexico:

1. Small clinics with general practitioner who is qualified to handle minor illnesses and injuries.

2. Small hospitals with surgeons, internists and pediatricians.

3. Large intensive-care facilities with various specialists.

The general requirements for joining the IMSS program are:

 1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, with the assistance of a doctor.

2. Submit to a basic medical examination which includes checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart. Other tests may be requested. The cost of the health care coverage is approximately $250.00 U.S. per year. You may apply only in January, February, July and August.  This program is open to all foreigners regardless of nationality and/or immigration status.

If you are accepted, IMSS covers only minor illness, such as colds etc., and nothing involving surgery the first year. The second year the insurance will cover everything other than broken bones, and orthopedic surgery. The third year finally covers everything. Medication is covered as well for anything needed for diagnoses, and it is provided toyou during your visit. Prescriptions are not covered if you buy it at any other pharmacy.  Any pre-existing condition that is not reported and later found to exist causes cancellagion of all coverage.  If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s mandatory you discuss it with a doctor at IMSS to see if it would be covered later, or if it will affect your coverage as a whole.

Medical care in Mexico is unbelievably inexpensive by almost anyone’s standards. Of course prices vary according to the region and whether you go to a private clinic or a government run facility.

Hi, Barbie! I am now officially retired as of 7/01/09. I went to  to Playa Del Carmen Mexico in November 08 after we e-mailed. My sister went with me and we had a wonderful time!

We looked for a condo to rent this year and found one. We are going back 11/1/09 and want to stay until 4/30/10. I have tried to remember all the important things I need to do for a 6 month stay and wondered if you could tell me if there is a need for a Visa if we stay 6 months in addition to the passport. We also need to buy inexpensive furniture as it is not furnished.

Would you know of any places you could recommend for that?

 We are planning to leave the furniture for the 6 months we return to the states and return there the following year again. I am not sure about permanent retirement there until we see how we like it this time for 6 months. We plan on going to many different places from Playa and checking things out. I have verified my health insurance will cover me there and resolved the prescription issues for a vacation exception to get 6 months to take with us. Any advice or info you can give me would be greatly appreciated!

The other thing I was wondering about was the location of the nearest Catholic church in Playa We’ll be staying just off the other side of 307 .It’s about 10-15 min. from the shopping district. It’s a new development and it has a private beach 5 minutes from the condo.

After 61 years of Maine winters and 28 snow storms just last winter alone I am so looking forward to this. :)

Thanks again. Sharon

Here is my reply to Sharon:

Hi Sharon:  Glad you took your sister with you!  Bet you had a ball!

You are absolutely right: you will need your passport – and make sure its valid date exceeds or meets the date you plan to return to the States.

Then, as a U.S. resident – I’m assuming – You will also need a Tourist Card (permit) and it will be good for 180 days – important – that does not mean 181 days!!!  You must enter the States before midnight on the 180th day!!! NO Excuses!!! :)

The tourist card (permit) –will be taken care of at the border crossing port of entry or on the airplane, ship, etc.  Just do as Dick and I did in my book, Retire In Luxury – follow the line or do as the airline steward or official at the port of entry instructs you to do. Remember:  Do not enter Mexico without your permit.

You will decide on:  either a Non Immigrant Permit – visit Mexico and then leave Mexico (What you’ll want) ,  or an Immigrant Permit – permanent residence in Mexico.  Either way, you do not give up your natural citizenship to receive these statuses.

For a short stay of 6 months or less you may want to consider the FMT  visa (short term non-immigrant visa for stays 6 months or less.)

Or you might want to consider a FM3 (long term non-immigrant visa for more than 6 months which gives non-immigrant temporary residency status to the holder.  In my book, I call this the “permanent visitor” permit.) Most retirees opt for the FM3.

The furniture situation – that’s a tough one – maybe try to buy some used. Or, try Gringo Furniture ( 1-866-600-1186). I have not used them, but I have heard good reports about them. Might be an easy way to accomplish a big project!

You were wondering about the nearest Catholic Church. There is one in the Colosio neighborhood in Playa del Carmen. It’s called Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.  Father Bernard Quinn may still be the priest there. I believe the services are in Spanish.  The church is not air conditioned. I don’t think you’ll find many that are in Mexico, but the ventilation is good.  It’s the corner of 15th Ave and 12th Street.

Best to you,
Barbie

The same as a lot of us, he is older by a few years, than she.  So once he retires, they both face the possibility of losing the medical insurance he is carrying now.  If he is 65 when he retires, then he’s covered… Medicare.  But, she may still be faced with paying what I consider exorbitant insurance rates.  Same problem as Dick and I ran into.  And believe me, that can eat into your savings.

My husband, Dick, retired at 62 so we had approximately 3 years of paying right around $800 a month for our medical coverage.  We were absolutely thrilled when Dick finally reached the golden age of 65 and… Medicare!  And of course my insurance costs still stayed skyhigh until I also turned 65, 4 years later.

How do you get around paying those exorbitant insurance rates before Medicare takes over,  I don’t know… we never found a way around it.  Of course, if neither of you are working and don’t have a job to be responsible for, you can move to Mexico.  The only hitch here being, pre-existing conditions may cause you to be turned down for private insurance in Mexico.  Even the national insurance requires certain conditions be met.  So we scrimped and saved and made it through a stressful time.

Now, since Dick and I were faced with these costs, Dick retiring from his stressful job because of his health problem and me not working because I’ve always been a stay-at-home Mom, we had pretty good impetus when Dick finally turned 65 to search diligently for the very best Medicare supplemental we could find.  As we were in the states, due to Dick’s pre-existing condition, which limits our time in Mexico, many, many hours were spent searching on the Internet and attending informational seminars put on by the regional insurance companies.

We got such an education.It seems every company promised they were the best… sort of reminded us of timeshare presentations… but this time we needed to buy their product.   After making charts and graphs and trying to think of every question that was pertinent and getting answers on the phone, at the seminars, from friends, we finally decided upon what sounded the best.  Our plan has a zero, monthly payment for our supplemental insurance.  I guess we’re very fortunate in this area to have supplemental insurance such as this offered to us.

I know my sister in Ohio is paying what I consider a large amount for her supplemental insurance… she’s four years older than I… but I guess there’s no other plan offered in her area that is as good as ours.  She and her husband have excellent coverage, but they have to travel miles to mediocre facilities for treatment. 

As you can see we have different opinions on many things.  When we had kids in school and we were in the process of moving, the first thing we checked out were schools.  Now that we are retired, medical costs and coverage and facilities are a prime concern. I remember when we were originally searching for a place that we would love to retire to, thinking Belize would be a little Paradise. 

Then one day I got an e-mail back from a gentleman I had been corresponding with and he had experienced Belize personally.  His response to my query about medical facilities was “primitive”.  Really put a quick end to my dreams about having Howler Monkeys in our trees, Jaguars, Ocolet and Puma in our back yard!  I would rather have a doctor living in my vicinity.

Now it would be wonderful to think that none of us are going to need doctors, but face it… we’re not getting younger and it’s great to have someone who can help us out in our time of trouble. 

Just a matter of fact, since we have retired, I’ve had a torn Achilles repair of my right leg,  my second back operation, I just went through the cancer under the fingernail bit -yes I know that’s very unusual, and it’s doing great now, and just about three weeks ago.  I had my last knee’s torn meniscus repaired.

Maybe by now you’re thinking I should be a little bit more careful… that’s what Dick says… but hey….  I don’t want to miss out on anything.  I am walking a bit more carefully right now however.

So anyway folks, I guess my message is this is something you are going to have to plan for too.  And when you finally get that magical birthday…maybe the big 65… there are a lot of decisions you’re going to have to make. 

Hopefully you too will be fortunate enough to live in an area that offers little or nothing  a month for your supplemental insurance.  It may take a lot of checking out, but it’s certainly worth it.

1. The beneficiary is a border resident who requires hospitalization and the Canadian or Mexican hospital is either closer to the beneficiary’s home than the participating U.S. hospital or when the Mexican or Canadian hospital offers covered services which the U.S. hospital does not.

2. The beneficiary is not a border resident, but the emergency occurs in the United States and a Mexican hospital is in closer proximity.  In both instances, Medicare pays for physician and ambulance services furnished in Mexico in conjunction with a covered inpatient stay. This lack of coverage affects residents, tourists, short-term visitors, and people who choose to live in Mexico. 

3. Mexico offers medical insurance to almost everyone.

The National Health Care Program, IMSS:

1. Available in most major cities.

2. Takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid.

3. At IMSS clinics you do not have a choice of physicians.

Available in Mexico:

1. Small clinics with general practitioner who is qualified to handle minor illnesses and injuries.

2. Small hospitals with surgeons, internists and pediatricians.

3. Large intensive-care facilities with various specialists.

The general requirements for joining the IMSS program are:

1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, with the assistance of a doctor.

2. Submit to a basic medical examination which includes checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart. Other tests may be requested. The cost of the health care coverage is approximately $300.00 U.S. per year. You may apply only in January, February, July and August.  This program is open to all foreigners regardless of nationality and/or immigration status. Medical care in Mexico…… is unbelievably inexpensive by almost anyone’s standards. Of course prices vary according to the region and whether you go to a private clinic or a government run facility.  

Here are some random prices from private clinics in Chetumal – down on the “tail” of Mexico –south of Cancun – in US dollars:

• Private room in a hospital, $50 per day
• Exam and consultation with a specialist, $15
• Ultrasound or X-ray , $15
• Oral surgery, $50 per tooth
• Porcelain filling, $30 each.
• Teeth cleaning, $25
• Emergency room treatment, $15

Exploratory abdominal surgery and appendectomy using video laporoscopy. Including four-day hospital stay in a private room, all fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and medication. $1,200.

If your only experience in Latin America has been visitingTijuana for a day, you are in for one big surprise!  

The professionals who practice their profession in Mexico after studying abroad, hoping to make their country better, is one reason the health care system is so friendly. Latinos are by nature a warm, caring people ergo, they are generally, good and compassionate doctors and nurses.

One of the most important things people should consider prior to retirement is the availability of medical facilities located in the area where they are planning to live.  Mexico stands up pretty well in that respect. 

In Mexico,there are insurance plans offered to everyone – even foreigners. The insurance we checked on was very reasonable, compared to what we were paying in the U.S. 

In Mazatlan, along with health/ medical insurance, there are plans you can buy that will airevacuate you back to the states. SkyMed offers a complete package that meets recommendations of the US and Canadian Consulates. Members traveling more than 100 air miles from home, buy a plan that returns them to their local hospital and medical care providers. And Medevac Critical Care Air & Land Ambulance, 24-hour mobile emergency units, staffed by quality physicians and well-trained paramedics and life support equipment, offers medical evacuation from Mexico to the United States and runs only about $50 to $100 a year.

 If an emergency situation presents itself, call the Red Cross (Cruz Roja) for an ambulance. The Red Cross provides this service and will take you to any hospital of your choosing in Mazatlan. Sr. Alberto Osuna, director, says his agency’s ambulance is free of charge and that any hotel in the Golden Zone can be reached within seven minutes.(donations are accepted). 981-3690 or 985-1451.   If hospitalization is necessary, ask your doctor what his fee for the entire procedure is beforehand. Then, request a daily-itemized bill.

If you find yourself in a hospital or clinic and think you have been charged questionable or excessive fees:

• Don’t be intimidated.
• Don’t sign anything.
• Don’t surrender your passport.
• Don’t complete or sign an Exit Survey.
• Don’t pay your account before receiving an itemized bill.

Under Article 91 of Mexico’s Consumer Protection laws, you can demand reimbursement of overpaid charges for any type of service. Save all receipts and itemized accounts in the event you need to initiate legal proceedings.  Under Aritcle 281 of the Sinaloa Penal Code, it is against the law for any “hospital, sanatorium, clinic, dispensary, nursing facility or any other health center” to stop you from leaving by claiming you have not paid your bill.

If this happens to you, immediately call or go to your Consulate.  You can present your case, concerning any complaints about medical care or over-billing to La Comisión de Arbitraje Médico del Estatdo de Sinaloa (Medical Arbitration Commission for the State of Sinaloa). Rafael Buelna #202, 2nd Floor/Las Conchas de Mazatlan Building, telephone 983-9300,  Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  There is no cost to appear before the Arbitration Commission.

Like I said, health care in Mexico is always a lot less expensive than you will find in the States, and the quality of health care, south of the border, can be very good.  

I always laugh when I tell friends that we also get all our dental work done in Mexico and hear the inevitable response… “But are they really dentists?” Believe me, the good folks practicing in the health fields in Mexico have the same training and the same certificates as the good folks in the States. And, sure, some are better than others, but that goes across the board…we’ve found.

It is shocking how much a trip to the dentist costs in the U.S.A.. But good dental care doesn’t have to cost a fortune… 

When Dick and I go to the dentist, we almost always choose to go to a little town called Algodones – just south of Yuma, Arizona.  Nogales, just south of Tucson, Arizona, is also a good choice.  But your choices are varied – Nogales, Juarez, Tijuana, Nuevo Progreso, etc.

When we first made our monumental decision to try out a “Mexican Dentist”, we were really a bit hesitant …would they be able to understand us …how do we get an appointment …are they really dentists …how would the cleanliness be …are they up to date …can they do x-rays…so many questions and all so quickly answered on our first trip! We had been satisfied with most “American dentists” … especially when we had dental insurance, paid for by Dick’s employers! Quite a difference to be asked to cough up $9000 for one implant now! Or $1200 for a root canal and cap – good grief – on retirement income, that’s really just prohibitive  … solution:  just have all the teeth pulled and eat rolled oats for the rest of your life… I don’t think so!  

First of all – the dentists do have telephones and 99 times out of 100, all you have to do when they answer is to say “English, Please” , or ‘English, por favor” and the phone will be handed over to someone who can speak English. Tell them you need an appointment and they will set you up – some just say no appointment necessary – and they really mean it. I don’t know how they do it, but you don’t have to wait all that long if you’re a walk-in!  In my book, Retire in Luxury, I have the exact process of making a phone call to Mexico.

Now, presumably, you have made your appointment. You may need to be away from home, depending on where you live, for a couple of days. Believe it or not, you can pay for your traveling expenses, pay the dentist and still save! And if you’re frugal like the Parks are proud to be – well, you’ll just be amazed at the savings! You’ll probably also be amazed by the fact that the people you will meet in the waiting rooms are almost always NOT Hispanic!  You’ll visit with snow-birds from Washington and Oregon, part-time Canadian residents, Nevada residents, and Arizonans and Californians just down for the day!

So, off to a border town – or if you’re lucky enough to actually live south of the border – just relax and ask your neighbors where they go.  Since most of you are still considering moving to Mexico for your retirement, be sure to order my latest edition of Retire in Luxury, to help with your retirement decision.

Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the dental situation in Mexico – you won’t feel the least bit strange down here and the price differences are just astonishing!  Just a few sample prices and these are only examples:

Cleaning: $15 to $25
Root Canal $50 to $300
Post: $50 to $150
Porcelain cap: $140 to $350
Cap re-cemented: $30 to $40
Reline: $30 to $40
Bonding: $25 to $50
Extraction: $25 to $100 

So – come on down – you’ll find that you will probably be able to get everything done in one day – they won’t make you come back a dozen times just to finish a process. I know you’ll be glad you go – and, be sure to do a bit of bargaining while you’re there for a colorful clay pot, or maybe a hat… or one of the myriad of handcrafted articles displayed on the streets.

Well anyway, I’ve had so many questions about dental service in Mexico, so here’s a rather long diary entry about my latest adventures in Mexico.

About two weeks ago, I had my front tooth (which had already been root-canaled and capped years ago) break right off – post and all – I was guilty of eating a peanut-butter on white bread sandwich (something I allow myself about once every 3 years)… so apparently, it was just the tooth’s time.

 So…made an appointment with – not the pink dentist – thought I’d try the more expensive one in Mexico, just to see how they were…Rubio and his clinica.  So, down we went – and of course, not like the $1,000-plus prices in the states, the tooth could be recapped for $350.

On that trip the dentist at that clinic prepped the tooth, and sent me home with a temporary tooth and an appointment.  Then, the very next day my top-right-bridge lost about an inch of the porcelain. Meaning:  I had a gapping black hole in my mouth! LOL

So back to Algodones, Mexico. My 5-tooth lower bridge was being supported by only three teeth – which is excellent – but when they took the bridge off, the middle tooth had so much decay that it would no longer support the bridge. No problem. Transplants are available at $1600 each plus by this time the teeth involved would have to be recapped @ $450 each.

Needless to say, I had lots of work done that day. Temporaries were put in, so I looked okay; the big black gap was gone, but I would have to wait even for the extraction of the decayed tooth because now Rubio was going on a three-week vacation!  Oh no!

They also gave me another option that would be no transplants, and fix up the uppers for a total of $1650 – and it would be okay – oh, that also involved a removable partial – on top – didn’t sound too good to me.

And so… back home again, to ponder the choices we had.

So on our next visit to Algodones, we wondered around and stopped in several dentists just asking the prices of a cap. Varies from $100 up.  Somehow we found one who was very interested – we just sort of hit it off – Gator Dentist Group -  and they said there were other solutions – so, an exam, some suggestions – they say the bridge can be supported without a transplant – sounding interesting and it just would involve nine caps, including the bridge all tied together – for $1350!  Now it’s sounding like a bargain.

We ate, then took a nap in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel and headed back south of the border.

We were there at 7:55 p.m.  At least lots of lights were left on at the dentist’s office, but no one in site.  Eventually, after much pounding on the door, the lab-assistant (no speak English) came to the door – at 8:15 p.m., I finally managed to slip a note under the door so the assistant could give to the doctors when they showed up, telling them that we would be back in the morning to get the teeth placed.  But, the assistant kept trying to contact the dentists on three different cell phones that were on the desk – shuffling papers around, looking desperate – because these two apparent Americans wanted something he didn’t understand.

At about  8:25 p.m. – by this time Dad was fuming and I kept saying – you know it’s Mexico – they will show up – finally down the street came a big SUV and the two doctor’s rushed out of it – they had been at a restaurant enjoying music (which we could hear as we had been standing on the sidewalk) and they forgot the time – so Mexican!!!

 So, no problem – neither of them had had a drink – I checked that out with my super sniffer. And in we went, the teeth were “almost ready” – at 9:45 we said – no more “almost” – take us to the border – we’ll be back in the morning when they have time to fit them correctly.  By this time, we have a full-complement of office staff – the gal at the desk – one who was English speaking – the lab assistant, the two doctors, another guy – don’t know what he was doing – and Dick and me.  So, the gal at the desk took us to the border in a golf cart (these are getting popular down there, as the town grows) and we got across with 4 minutes to spare :P )  And an appointment to come back in the morning.

Which we did – and the teeth were ready- and look good – just hope it works.  By this time, after so much pleasure about how beautiful the teeth look, etc, we – the doc and I started talking – well – trying to – about what could be done to my bottom teeth – I do hate the partial…and so, they figured out the options that could be done there.

 The most amazing solution was to tie 14 crowns together and that would support several added “floating crowns” in the rear of each side of my mouth.

Now, I haven’t had teeth (other than that darn bridge) in the back of my mouth for years! So this was sounding pretty great – The cost – an additional $2100.  Darn, Dick, we shouldn’t have paid for that cruise!!!!!   But, after much thinking, and by about 12 noon, and some bargaining of course – and bargaining is not something you usually do with a dentist – We arrived at $1800, and they would start right away – and…oh dear – we would come back later in the day – this time around 6 p.m., and they would be ready to place the bottom teeth……at least that gives us 4 hours leeway!

Okay – let’s do it.  Oh – by the way- Happy Birthday Day, Barb! …and happy anniversary, Christmas, etc., etc… :)

So, all my – my only about two years old – caps were removed – sidebar – Richard, Steve, Chris – you probably don’t remember, but most of my teeth problems started when Chris as about four years old and he and I were swimming at JoAnn’s – next door to us on Tremont.  I was acting silly and started swimming like Aquaman – he was on t.v. then – Chris though it was funny – not a good idea to swim with your arms straight down at your side and your head leading the way – I smashed into the bottom of the pool and came up minus my four front teeth….they broke off – luckily not into the root – and since then, it’s been dentist, dentist, dentist…

Anyway – So, the caps came off and things were prepared and I was sent off with a bottom mouth full of temporaries – to spend several hours up north again and come back at 6 p.m. – when the teeth would be ready :)

Dad and I went back to the States and ate at a buffet – I had no problem chewing, suprisingly.  Then, we still had time, so we decided instead of fretting, we’d just go to a casino – luckily we almost came out even there – we had never signed up for their “club” – so they gave us $15 to play with.  We did.  We both at least got relaxed a bit.

Then, back south – we were there at 5:30 p.m.  The dentists were actually there!!!! And the teeth WERE almost ready!  After just a while, they were glued in – by this time, I had shared my website with them, www.retireinluxury.com, and we checked over their website and we were all getting to be pretty good buddies ;)

So, by George!  Around 7, they drove us again to the border (it’s only about 3 blocks) and we easily made it back across – me with a pretty sore mouth.

A three-hour drive and we were home – exhausted!  Oh – the one night we did spend in Yuma – we have before, stayed at a Comfort Inn, about $90, and a Super 8, about $70 and both very nice, and a Days Inn (free breakfast) for $60.  This time, we had been talking with an older lady and her husband last time we were down, at the dentist’s office and they said they had stayed in the Motel 6 for $40 – and it was clean!  So, we tried the Motel 6 – there are two Motel 6’s in Yuma, just blocks from each other – one was $50, the other, the one we stayed in was, tax included, $42.  And the bath, especially, was spotless…no breakfast – just coffee – and it’s right behind the – think it was the Denny’s.

As it stands today, Medicare does not cover health care for Americans outside of the United States, except under these conditions:

1. The beneficiary is a border resident who requires hospitalization and the Canadian or Mexican hospital is either closer to the beneficiary’s home than the participating U.S. hospital or when the Mexican or Canadian hospital offers covered services which the U.S. hospital does not.

2. The beneficiary is not a border resident, but the emergency occurs in the United States and a Mexican hospital is in closer proximity. 

In both instances, Medicare pays for physician and ambulance services furnished in Mexico in conjunction with a covered inpatient stay.

This lack of coverage affects residents, tourists, short-term visitors, and people who choose to live in Mexico.  Fortunately, the “per incident” cost of health care is very affordable. In fact it’s so affordable that many “gringos” don’t have health insurance and simply pay per incident:

• Private room in a hospital, $50 per day
• Exam and consultation with a specialist, $15
• Ultrasound or X-ray , $15
• Oral surgery, $50 per tooth
• Porcelain filling, $30 each.
• Teeth cleaning, $25
• Emergency room treatment, $15
• Exploratory abdominal surgery and appendectomy using video laporoscopy.
• Four-day hospital stay in a private room, all fees of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and medication. $1,200.

You may also be eligible for Mexico’s universal health care program:

The National Health Care Program, IMSS:

1. Available in most major cities.

2. Takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid.

3. At IMSS clinics you do not have a choice of physicians. 

Available in Mexico:

1. Small clinics with general practitioner who is qualified to handle minor illnesses and injuries.

2. Small hospitals with surgeons, internists and pediatricians.

3. Large intensive-care facilities with various specialists.

The general requirements for joining the IMSS program are:

 1. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, with the assistance of a doctor.

2. Submit to a basic medical examination which includes checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart. Other tests may be requested. The cost of the health care coverage is approximately $250.00 U.S. per year. You may apply only in January, February, July and August.  This program is open to all foreigners regardless of nationality and/or immigration status. Medical care in Mexico…… is unbelievably inexpensive by almost anyone’s standards. Of course prices vary according to the region and whether you go to a private clinic or a government run facility.

As far as Social Security, the nay-sayers and dooms-dayers say it won’t be there – but, even if is, (and I can’t imagine any politician who values their political life not working to keep it functioning) then it will be an added bonus! Contact your local Social Security office for printed up-to-date information! Some facts to get started:  I’m repeating: You must be a resident of the United States to receive Social Security benefits.  That means you may live any place, as long as you are still a United States citizen.

You will not receive Medicare in any country other than the United States.  If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive Social Security benefits outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them. (There are exceptions.)  Even if you are a citizen of Mexico, you may receive your payments as long as you are outside the U.S., unless you are a dependent or survivor.

Once you received Social Security payments, the S.S. will send questionnaires periodically that you must fill out and return, informing them as to whether you are still eligible for benefits. Do so immediately upon receipt. 

The Foreign Work Test – A monthly benefit is withheld for each month in which a beneficiary under age 70 works more than 45 hours outside the U.S. in employment or self-employment which is not subject to U.S. Social Security taxes.

Of course, it is great if you have a decent amount of savings put back to supplement yourSocial Security. A lot of people will receive pensions from the companies they worked for,but there are also a lot of people who don’t have a pension coming in …we’re in that group. We always knew our retirement would be what we were able to put away.

And then, there are lots of people who make it, living only on their Social Security.

Some countries where direct deposit and other forms of electronic payments are available include Mexico. With direct deposit, you receive your payment much faster than if you are paid by check (usually 1 to 3 weeks faster than check deliveries). When direct deposit payments are sent to a financial institution, you also avoid check cashing and currency conversion fees. 

There are rare emergency cases where Medicare can pay for care in Mexico. Also, Medicare can sometimes pay if a Mexican hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can provide the care you need. If you get emergency treatment in a Mexican hospital or if you live near one, ask someone who works atthe hospital about Medicare coverage, or have the hospital help you contact theMedicare Intermediary.

IMSS (MEXICAN MEDICAL) - Many foreign residents of Mexico are not aware that the Social Security System of Mexico (IMSS) medical coverage is available to all. IMSS hospitals are well equipped with many staff doctors known for their practices in private hospitals. All residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease. (The reason we cannot live in Mexico permanently.)  Age is not a consideration.  

Public health care is guaranteed to all Mexican citizens regardless of pre-existing conditions. (Foreign residents of Mexico are eligible without exception, other than those who suffer from chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease. If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s mandatory you discuss it with a doctor at IMSS to see if it would be covered later, or if it will affect your coverage as a whole.)

If you are accepted, IMSS covers only minor illness, such as colds etc., and nothing involving surgery the first year. The second year the insurance will cover everything other than broken bones, and orthopedic surgery. The third year finally covers everything. Medication is covered as well for anything needed for diagnoses, and it is provided toyou during your visit. Prescriptions are not covered if you buy it at any other pharmacy.  Any pre-existing condition that is not reported and later found to exist causes cancellagion of all coverage. Again, I must stress:  If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s mandatory you discuss it with a doctor at IMSS to see if it would be covered later, or if it will affect your coverage as a whole.

Upon acceptance, cost is per person per year and according to age: as much as 3000 pesos for age 60+ to as low as 977 pesos for age 19 and under. The cost is subject to change from year to year.

Your retirement may be just around the corner, or it may be along way off, but from this day forward it’s up to you – and no one else – to save enough money to live on happily after retirement!