Medicare Strategy

[mmmexico]

Hi...I'm new to this forum and I have a couple of questions which I do not see have been addressed in previous postings. First of all...to what extent have your expenses been covered by Medicare?

I am curious about individual stories. I am about to set up a procedure and I want to know to what extent your doctors/surgeons have accepted as full payment the insurance provided by Medicare.

Hope to hear from you.

Mike

 

[Jamie]

Mike, it is my understanding that even Medicare coverage involves some payment from the individual for a procedure. Many people purchase secondary insurance to cover this "co-pay." You also could look into the Medicare Advantra plan available in your state. It is a less expensive option, but you must stay within their network of services. I have heard of some people who have had approval problems with Advantra, but the lower cost is attractive to many.

 

[abunnybabe]

Is medicare a global coverage, or just in the US?

 

[mmmexico]

I can answer that one.....medicare only pays in the United States...unless it is a pretty specific type of emergency....which is a shame for the U.S. taxpayer because most medical procedures are significantly cheaper here in Mexico..

 

[Jamie]

Now I'm confused by your question about Medicare, Mike....I know you're in Mexico but are you a US citizen or a citizen of Mexico?

 

[mmmexico]

I am a citizen of the United States....living primarily in Mexico, and I will return to the United States for the surgery. This is a common practice for ex-pats...medical care is good and affordable here in Mexico, but for the expensive and more delicate procedures, we return to the United States if we are medicare eligible,,,

Mike

 

[Jamie]

I understand now....thanks. Yes, we have a number of friends who have chosen to retire in Mexico and they have done the same with medical procedures.

 

[dcdowden]

My understanding that if the surgeon and hospital accept Medicare then they MUST accept the amount that Medicare determines is appropriate regardless of what their bill says. I believe Medicare pays 80% of that amount and you or your supplemental insurance is responsible for the other 20%. But the provider cannot bill you for anything more than that. Of course there are definitely some providers in the US that will not accept Medicare patients, so make sure to check that out.
Doug

 

[Jamie]

I believe you are correct, Doug.