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Have any more SS recipients using direct deposit gotten their stimulus deposit as of today (Saturday 4/18)? All I get is "No information available" from IRS.gov and if you use the tool more than once in a 24 hr. period it locks you out (for security reasons, according to IRS).

Just curious.......

1 hour ago, RickS said:

I/wife filed and paid taxes in 2018 but have not filed for 2019. I and my wife get SS.  I nor my wife have received the stimulus deposit. The website tells me and my wife that "no available information".

How much information do they want!?!  😁

If you draw SS the IRS will be using your annual 10-99 and direct deposit it into the bank acc't. where the SS deposits normally go. Was wondering how many actually received theirs in this manner.

On 4/7/2020 at 3:23 PM, artsnob said:

I was told by a friend who works in consulate in Mexico City, it will be put in your bank account where social security goes, otherwise mailed..

Has anyone on social security actually had their stimulus deposits show up in their bank account? I've read that you can't use the "Get My Payment" tool on the IRS.gov website if on soc. sec. as it will say that there is no available information.

11 minutes ago, lakeside7 said:

A good piece of news, the Peso is gaining strength

According to XE Currency Converter- 23.83 MXN to the USD. 

19 minutes ago, jrod said:

Still flying as of last night but with few passengers. My guess is that airlines will reduce flights and fly just enough to maintain their airport contracts for landing rights.

Fewer flights will likely result in higher airfares, unfortunately.

I read where the US/Mexico and US/Canada borders are closed except commerce and essential travel. Is this just for overland travel or does it restrict flights from the US to either Mexico or Canada as well?

What do you pay for chiropractic adjustments? And what is the average cost for 1/2 hr. therapeutic massages?

2 hours ago, happyjillin said:

He's not a renter. I agree that renting from Mexicans is usually preferable to renting from foreigners. I am not a renter either but i know several people that rent very successfully from Mexicans and have no problems as well as paying far less. One person was given a 10 year lease on a furnished house by the landlord with no annual increase.

I understand, but you are really renting just the structure, not so? Any problems with the house/apt. is on you to sort out. So you'd be responsible for organizing repairs to someone else's property. Am I correct with these assumptions?

Am I correct that this would not be the case in every rental? (Where some landlords would do repairs on their properties)?

On 1/4/2020 at 7:06 AM, Mainecoons said:

Don't expect to get cheap rent from a Mexican landlord and then get any maintenance with it.  Look very carefully at the place, and beyond any fresh paint, to determine if it has serious maintenance issues.  If so, that rent may not be nearly as cheap as it looks.  

Also expect to pay only in cash.  You can bet they aren't paying that ridiculous 16 percent tax on the rental.  

So you're just renting the structure, it seems. Everything in it (plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc.) are yours to maintain? If so, it completely defeats the intended purpose of renting. Not so?

2 hours ago, HoneyBee said:

Actually and I have witnessed this several time, you simply walk in to local businesses in the area you are interested in and ask if there is any rentals. I live in the North/West side of Chapala and was surprised by the number of rentals going for 2,000.00 and some times less. Yes you need to be able to communicate in Spanish.

Good to know, thank you. Is 2000 pesos the price for Mexicans?

Did you ever check out any of these 2000 peso rentals? I'm curious to know just what you'd get for that price.

What are the best ways to find these, other than by word of mouth?

15 hours ago, lakeside7 said:

Easy and now becoming the fall back position for gringo,s at Lakeside....GOFUNDME

Call me old fashioned, but I find it very had to believe that people would actually resort to soliciting contributions (from total strangers no less). I suppose it's much more viable than going through the experience and expense of relocating somewhere in the US where Medicare covers most of your  health needs at age 65+.

So, I digress, I guess it's actually not all that hard to envision after all. Taking the path of the least resistance.....

I suppose if Medicare covered senior expatriates outside of the US the gringo population in Mexico (et al) would be much, much greater than it is now.

1 hour ago, pappysmarket said:

As long as you are still insurable that might be an excellent idea.

We all become uninsurable at some point in life. My brother-in-law, age 60, thin, non-smoker, non-drinker, vegan, regular exercise dropped dead of a massive coronary occlusion 2 weeks ago. He was insurable up until he dropped. For most of us, that day comes sooner than day of death.

That begs the question of what happens when you become uninsurable. What is the next step? (assuming you plan to live for a number of years)

Sounds like IMSS is unreliable ( as most gov't.run health systems.) Appears you could be seen pretty quickly or wait a long time (and everything in between).

It appears that the best approach to all of this would be to take out a health policy with a high deductable ( for anything potentially catastrophic) and pay for doctor visits and meds out of pocket.

Any thoughts about this?

20 hours ago, Mostlylost said:

You can join IMSS before your 70th birthday.  The cost for a 64 year old is $10,350.  If you apply you are sent to the hospital in Tlajomulco (about 1 hour away) They will do blood work, EKG, and chest x-ray. If you do not pass your payment is NOT refunded.

Not permitted to enroll as per IMSS website listed below.   High blood pressure is not specifically listed , but I would ask the Director in Chapala before paying enrollment fees. . He is very nice but does not speak English. . 1st year coverage excludes many things. 2nd year more coverage and 3rd year 100% coverage. 

• Some pre-existing diseases, such as: malignant tumors, chronic degenerative diseases (late complications of diabetes mellitus), hoarding diseases (Gaucher's disease), chronic liver diseases, chronic renal failure, heart valve diseases, heart failure, sequelae of ischemic heart disease (arrhythmia, angor or myocardial infarction), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure, among others
• Chronic systemic connective tissue diseases, addictions such as alcoholism and other drug addictions, mental disorders such as psychosis and dementias; Congenital diseases and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or Positive Human Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

 

And afterward 10,350 mxn per year?

Are there long wait times to see a doctor (I'm assuming in the Chapala clinic?)

Does having IMSS protect you from catastrophic health costs during the first two years and beyond?

Am considering an expatriate health policy for the first two years of IMSS and then dropping the insurance once fully vested in IMSS the beginning of the third year and paying for MD, dental visits and prescription drug costs out of pocket with IMSS specifically used for the more serious, potentially costly accidents/illnesses.

Is IMSS for the more serious/ potentially costly occurences a possible alternative to all of this?

Or am I automatically excluded from IMSS due to taking blood pressure meds?

Let me see if I understand this correctly.

2 hours ago, Floradude said:

OK, let me share what I currently pay for insurance.

I wish I could remember what it was in 2003 when I was 60 but suffice it to say the costs have gone up--way up.  When you turn 70 they go up even faster.  The rapid rise in the number of Americans and Canadians moving here in recent years has also lead to a significant increase in all medical costs (and everything else)

I am 76.  The cost of my insurance for 1 year = $116,920.04 with METLIFE.  My deductible = $25,500  and my Copay = 10%

 

Let me see if I understand this correctly.

116, 920.04 mxn = 6,173 USD or 514.41USD/mo.

25,500 mxn= 1,346 USD

I don't mean to be a nosy SOB, but are my figures acccurate?

Anyone have one of the expatriate health plans that cover Mexico specifically?

Yes, I do. The health insurance would be for hospitalization, accidents, etc. (anything where a very large expense is likely).

Everything else would be paid for by myself.

1 hour ago, Bisbee Gal said:

 

If you lie to the insurance agent, are you willing to lie to doctors about the medications you are currently taking??  If so, you risk bad drug interactions and an invalid treatment plan. 

If you end up in a hospital in an emergency, my guess is you will not lie about your current medications.  Then you risk rejection of a claim because you lied to the insurance agent about your pre-existing conditions.  The insurance company will most certainly review your hospital medical records before paying a hospital claim.  

 

 I agree. Sounds like you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. Not telling doctors what meds you take could well be the end of you.

2 minutes ago, AngusMactavish said:

That bad, eh? Even with the high deductable?

In very good health, generally. I would likely want a large deductable, probably a $2,000 USD equivalent deductable. My only health issue that may impact this is that I take several blood pressure drugs and a low-dose statin daily.

Any rough estimates what i'd be looking at per month for such a health insurance policy?

7 hours ago, HarryB said:

I have a friend who lives in florida at one of its' senior communities and loves it. For me, that would be torture. I need the exposure to mexicans, their smiles, their love, their fortitude.... 

I agree with you, Harry (about the senior communities and the Mexicans). The Mexicans are so easy to deal with IMO. A little respect for them goes a very long way. Something a good number of " visa holders" from NOB fail to consider. They are extremely resourceful, very good at making a lot with oftimes having very little. I've had a few things made for me and was really impressed by the impeccable  quality of the workmanship more than once.

What are the positives and the negatives of Lake Chapala living in your opinion? What do you really like and what do you really dislike about it?

I have been taking Glucosamine Sulfate 2 tabs per day @1,000 mgs. each for quite a few years. 

There are lots of choices for MSM that I see available to me. Is the bulk powder more effective than the capsules for most of you? If so, what brand  and amount/dosage is advisable? Or what dosage in capsule form is recommended? 

Thank you.