Posted on 12/17/2017 12:08:56 AM PST by EliRoom8
I need Freeper advice because when I left California to go to the Ukraine I sold my home and gave up my permanent US address. In doing so I lost Kaiser Health Insurance -- it was necessary. Now after 4 years I'm returning and need to get some coverage because I have nothing, zip -- not even Medicare. I'm 67, single, and could afford $750/month. Any ideas would be welcome.
There are a number of Med-i-share or med-a-share programs. They are church based. No abortion or contraceptive coverage, (as DC declares) About 60% of the cost of others.
If you’re a US citizen, then you are required to sign up for Medicare. Why aren’t you doing that? In addition to Medicare, get a supplement for additional coverage. It won’t cost you anywhere near $750.
I didn’t sign up for Medicare because I wasn’t a resident of the US, but will sign up in June when I return.
Hey, just tell the doc and hospital that you are an illegal from Ukraine. Won’t work as well as if you were from Mexico, but what the heck.
rofl! I’ll change my surname to Jimenez.
Don’t forget to file for Social Security. You can do Social Security & Medicare at the same time.
Definitely Liberty Health Share. As long as you are in reasonable health it will be very affordable. We love it.
Thank you.
I am enrolled in Christian Healthcare Ministries like Medishare but cheaper. Thankfully I haven’t had to use them yet but from what I have read they seem to be good. I am a widow to young for Medicare and pay less than 200 a month.
Do you know if it’s available in California?
Thanks.
If you are returning to California, you can get Kaiser’s Senior Advantage, plus dental, vision, and hearing for a little over $100 a month if you qualify for Medicare. You shouldn’t have to wait for open enrollment if your circumstance changes (new enrollment).
Reply number three is perfect advice
Same here. I haven’t had to use them either.
I hope that EliRoom8, being 67 years old, already applied for it years ago.
U.S. citizens who have worked even only one day and thus paid into the S.S. system have accrued 1 point, and are thus eligible, upon retirement, for S.S. benefits, regardless of their residency. The min. of 40 consecutive quarters of having paid in to the system is waived if the applicant has paid into a comparable foreign system, and that country has a corresponding treaty with the U.S.
Of course, provided that EliRoom8 fulfilled these requirements, he would have already been receiving annual statements from the S.S. Administration tallying up his points and listing what benefits he could expect.
Regards,
Thanks, that should be something to look into immediately upon return to the States.
christie,
I think that’s very good advice. I thought you had to be in a group plan to continue with Kaiser, but an individual plan like you suggested might be the key.
Psst! The benefits keep increasing, +8%/yr, until Eli reaches age 70.
He should wait until then to apply, unless he has a terminal illness (other than life) or he really needs the money. If he waits to collect until he's 70, he will get 132% of the payout at the nominal retirement age.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.