Current Status of Healthcare for Seniors

I have had only good experiences for myself (I have Medicare plus another work-related plan) and my ninety-two year old mother (She has Medicare and an AARP supplemental plan which is United Healthcare). My brother switched from the VA in New York to the local VA in Puerto Rico and he is happy with his healthcare.

My husband had private health insurance through SSS and we were thoroughly satisfied with the quality of the physicians who treated him. All were constantly returning to the states for continuing education and were thoroughly professional and up to date. The hospitals...not so much... but I have to say the food at ElPresby was the best ...almost restaurant quality. I have Medicare through MCS and have no complaints. I do not require much medical assistance but for a prescription now and then and an annual check up...it's great. I love my doctor...she's a real human being.

Thanks for the reply.  Apparently you have an Advantage plan, whereas your mother is on M/C with one of the sup plans; if it's full F, that would be good, if expensive.  I have M/C + plan F that's high deductible, not United, it's Physicians Mutual, so wondering if it would transfer to PR from AZ.

You give a glowing report; however, opinions vary, as the reality seems to be efflux of experienced docs to the mainland, although I can't imagine M/C reimbursement is any different.  I guess if it works for you, that's all that counts.

DM

Sugarbird,

You don't even look old enough to be a senior in college, let alone on Medicare.

But I see you're in Ritchie Rich territory, i.e., Fajardo, so maybe the quality and consistency of care is better.  Other posts tell tales of all day waits for doc appts and prescriptions.  I have heard of long waits if you have no insurance and just appear at the ER, and one can always drop off a prescription and pick it up a day or so later.

I'm a little concerned about the age/experience factors.  Checked healthgrades.com for Aguadilla area, for example, and saw only docs in their 30s.  Any comment on this?

DM

Oh I don't know about the Richie Rich part...but if you want to see a top flight specialist you have to go to SanJuan or POSSIBLY Mayaguez and yes....for SOME doctors be prepared to wait. I have found if you try to get the LAST appointment of the day and can get some insight as to when the doc actually finishes up for the day you can avoid the wait...same thing at the Social Security office..and don't go to the Post Office on Monday. Try to avoid the emergency rooms if you can....especially at Centro Medico. El Presby in Condado isn't too bad and the HIMA hospitals vary.

If you require regular medical attention and want to use a local physician be sure you are prepared to educate him or her on your condition, medicines and full medical history. The younger doctors are not mind readers and you have to be your own advocate. Hey thanks for the compliment...that was last month's photo!

i've spoken to a doctor in the USA that says the hosptial (i don't have a name) in Ponce is very good.

How do I contact MCS and SSS?
Do you have a web site I can go to?