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 News from Around Banderas Bay | February 2005 
Krystal Hosts Social Security & Medicare Conference
 Bob Cohen - PVNN
Faith N. Hunt and Carlos Jug discussed current Social Security & Medicare issues with a gathering of American citizens at the Krystal Hotel. |
Puerto Vallarta - In a very concise, short but informative conference, Faith N. Hunt from the Embassy of the United States in Mexico City reported to a gathering of American citizens at the Krystal Hotel. The main topic of discussion was the direct deposit of Social Security benefit checks. There is a big push by the U.S. government to get as many people as possible on direct deposit and away from paper checks. Currently 93% of American citizens are receiving direct deposits in Mexico and the number in Puerto Vallarta is up to 97%. There are two big reasons that folks are being converted from the old traditional paper check program. The first is the wonderful mail system we enjoy here and a check can easily be three weeks late and almost as easily lost. 500,000 people receive Social Security outside of the United States.
In 2003 15,000 benefit checks were stolen in Guadalajara alone and that number has been drastically reduced to 4000. All benefit checks are not directly deposited in Mexican banks, but is mixed with those deposited in U.S. banks. People seem to feel that their benefits could end if they were permanent Mexican residents and Ms. Hunt assured everyone that was absolutely untrue. In fact she stated that those that have dual citizenship are also completely entitled to benefits. Also mention of other social security programs were discussed, SSDI and SSI. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is completely acceptable to receive while living here, but SSI is not. Paramount is the fact that the programs in which taxpayers have paid into are acceptable and SSI does not fall into that category.
Another much discussed topic was that of Medicare. Ms. Hunt made it perfectly clear that under no circumstances would Medicare be accepted in Mexico. With the new opening of Cornerstone Hospital, which has U.S. ties, folks began to hear rumors of possible acceptance of Medicare. It will not happen, period!
She told us that there are fraudulent cases that have been caught recently by the consulate. In San Miguel de Allende, a few doctors were providing services and then billing them to doctors in the Los Angeles area. The doctors were committing fraud on both sides of the border and were punished accordingly. It is illegal for Medicare to pay anywhere except in the United States. Questions about Medicare "B", the automatic deduction from Social Security benefits were asked. The amount of the deduction is not large, but might be needed by those on very tight budgets that live in Mexico year round. One can choose to eliminate the deduction, therefore increasing their benefit amount. One can also re-enroll only in January - March of each year, but carries a 10% penalty for each year to be reinstated. It was suggested it is probably wise to keep the Medicare, in case there was a reason one had to go back to the U.S. for needed medical services.
Medical insurance for those retiring in Mexico has always been a touchy subject. If an individual is over 65, they are not allowed to purchase Mexican medical insurance unless they had it previously and without interruption. It doesn't sound fair, but is something that does keep medical costs low and affordable. All of the topics discussed should be well thought out by individuals thinking of making the permanent move to the land of sunshine.
To email Faith Hunt with questions or concerns: faith.hunt@ssa.gov or huntfn@state.govo or Carlos Jug in Guadalajara at FBU.Guadalajara@ssa.gov |
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