Current Status of Healthcare for Seniors

seoulguy Contributor

143POSTS

10 years ago

I have investigated the socialized med systems in Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico, and CR, all available to bona fide expats who have cedula. None even comes close to Medicare, which one would have to give up if seriously intending to live in those countries.

On the other hand, in USVI, healthcare is sparse and unpredictable. Meanwhile, in PR, I'm very concerning about (1) the quality of care (not a problem in the old days) and 2) lack of Advantage plans (only 1 I guess, Humana), and 3), most important, experienced docs leaving, in particular specialists, leaving behind docs in their 30s with little experience and only there fulfilling the payback requirement.

So, would like to hear from those of you who have had good and/or bad experience with this.

Why PR? I guess because it's the poor man's Kona. If you say you're interested in a 2/2 condo in Kona for under $500K, they laugh at you. I guess you could say I'm addicted to warmer climates, including, now, Tucson, but have lived in Palm Springs, Vegas, Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach (horrible), and, yes, when younger, lived and work on O'ahu.

DM

See also

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Congress Letter about PR political status - 9 Replies

frogrock Serial expat

509POSTS

10 years ago

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.

Sugarbird Member

22POSTS

10 years ago

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.

seoulguy Contributor

143POSTS

10 years ago

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

seoulguy Contributor

143POSTS

10 years ago

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

Sugarbird Member

22POSTS

10 years ago

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!