It’s Your Money > Social Security and Pensions
Disabled With A Destination.
Dream Traveler:
HELLO, FRIENDS!
I am a 34 yr old male trying to devise a plan to relocate to the Philippines in the near future. I am on SSDI, and my research says that I will still have my benefits there.
My concern is resuming treatment there and getting the medicine I need for mental illness. Will I still have my Medicare insurance? Hoping that someone here has gone through a similar transition and could shed some light on how to prepare for this big move.
Of course I have many other questions that I intend to hopefully get some answers for here from fellow travelers, first hand. This detail of resuming treatment is my primary concern right now, as I believe that if I were to move and discontinue treatment that i would no longer be eligible for my benefits. Though, i am not sure of that, either.
Lee2:
Medicare does not work in the Philippines. Also meds are expensive here.
If you have mental issues, my advice would be to never discontinue treatment without a doctors approval.
Disability based on your work record you can continue to collect, if you should be on disability without a work record then it will probably be discontinued.
Steve & Myrlita:
--- Quote from: Dream Traveler on March 01, 2015, 08:43:01 AM ---HELLO, FRIENDS!
I am a 34 yr old male trying to devise a plan to relocate to the Philippines in the near future. I am on SSDI, and my research says that I will still have my benefits there.
My concern is resuming treatment there and getting the medicine I need for mental illness. Will I still have my Medicare insurance? Hoping that someone here has gone through a similar transition and could shed some light on how to prepare for this big move.
Of course I have many other questions that I intend to hopefully get some answers for here from fellow travelers, first hand. This detail of resuming treatment is my primary concern right now, as I believe that if I were to move and discontinue treatment that i would no longer be eligible for my benefits. Though, i am not sure of that, either.
--- End quote ---
Welcome to the forum. We're all here to help if we can. I too am on SSDI. A few things you will need to know.....
1.) Your SSDI will be good here. But...if you also have any SSI along with the SSDI, the SSI part will stop 30 days after you arrive here. Also if your state pays the Medicare Part B premium, that will also stop and you will be deducted it's cost (Approx $105).
2.) If you only intend to visit for a short time like 2 months or less I would pay the bill. This way it is still in place when you return. But...if you intend to stay long term, you will need to visit the SSA office at the US Embassy in Ermita, Manila to apply to have Medicare removed for why pay for an insurance that is no good here in the PH. If you decide to return back home, it will take 30 days from the day you return and notify them for the benefits to resume.
3.) If you receive FS, they will be of no use here.
4.) As Lee2 has said, all meds here and all medical services are cash and carry. No money, no treatment. PH Philhealth Ins is available for P2400 a year but is only good for inpatient and the pays only 1/3 to 1/2 the bill. There are local insurances available like Maxicare which I have or Intellicare or BSBC of PH.
5.) Be prepared for culture shock. You are not in Kansas anymore Toto. That will unfold as you are here.
Do you have an idea on where you want to live once you get here? Different areas have different costs and availabilities. Many areas to choose from. Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Luzon, CDO, Davao, Bacolod, Dumaguette etc. Again welcome and good luck in whatever you choose.
cvgtpc1:
--- Quote from: Steve & Myrlita on March 01, 2015, 08:58:04 PM ---
There are local insurances available like Maxicare which I have or Intellicare or BSBC of PH.
--- End quote ---
Hi Steve,
Do these work like US insurance with co-pays, deductibles, etc? Can you give a ballpark on your costs?
Million dollar question is if you can just show a card and only pay your portion at the cashier but assume you have to file claims?
Thanks!
Dennis
Steve & Myrlita:
--- Quote from: cvgtpc1 on March 02, 2015, 02:15:35 AM ---
--- Quote from: Steve & Myrlita on March 01, 2015, 08:58:04 PM ---
There are local insurances available like Maxicare which I have or Intellicare or BSBC of PH.
--- End quote ---
Hi Steve,
Do these work like US insurance with co-pays, deductibles, etc? Can you give a ballpark on your costs?
Million dollar question is if you can just show a card and only pay your portion at the cashier but assume you have to file claims?
Thanks!
Dennis
--- End quote ---
If you go to the site clinic, it's P100. If you go to the OPD at the hospital, it's P350. If you are admitted, it's P2000 deductible. Theses figures may vary depending on which plan you choose. They do however, cut off after 65.
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