I’ve written recently on some big problems that cropped up with the US DoD program known as TRICARE which provides medical coverage for many US military retirees living here in the Philippines.  See my latest rant on the subject here.

My friend Bob Martin also writes often on medical issues, he has a worthwhile post here that should be of interest.

In keeping with the theme of this site … all the FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Philippines, here’s a little FAQS sheet that can perhaps guide you in the right direction when thinking about the possibility of living in the Philippines and getting help with medical expenses.  Where possible I provide references, remember that this is based on personal knowledge and understanding of a private person, I am not an authority, you need to check the facts of your own case from an authoritative source, not what I say or what any other private person tells you online.  What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

Q:  Will my US health insurance ‘work’ there?

A: It depends.  Some will, some won’t.  A good example is, "I have Blue Cross, does that work there"?  The correct answer is, Blue cross in the US is a separate entity in almost every state and also includes a number of government/large employer plans.  You were given a manual and/or an 800 number for your plan.  Consult them directly.  For example, the Blue Cross plan provided by federal civil service does cover recipients overseas … but sometimes there are limitations … you must consult your own provider.  There is nothing illegal, immoral or fattening about living overseas, it’s the right of every US citizen, no need to be shy about asking for the facts.

Q: I’m a US military retiree, so my TRICARE coverage works there, correct?

A: Usually, yes.  Bear in mind, though, only TRICARE Standard can be used for the Philippines.  Many retirees in the US depend on TRICARE Prime or one of the other ‘fee enhanced’ TRICARE ‘flavors’.  If you are going to be going back and forth between the Philippines and the US, for example, you might want to consult someone much smarter on TRICARE than I to find the best option for you.

Q: I am a veteran and I hear there’s a veteran’s Hospital there, so all my needs are met, right?

A: Well, not exactly.  There is no US Veteran’s Administration hospital in the Philippines.  There is a VA Clinic in Man8la and the Manila VA office also provides contracted care for vets through Philippine hospitals.  In most cases, though, this needs to be related to "service Connected" disabilities … so consult your local VA office or the Manila VA office to find out your own specifics.  VA disability rules are very complex, and what "Sam" or "Freddy" is entitled to may be completely different than what "you" are entitled to.

Q: Can I use Medicare there?

A: Easy answer.  No.  Even though it would save Medicare millions per year in reduced costs, US law prohibits Medicare payments overseas … so you will not be able to rely on Medicare.  If I were you, I’d write my congressman.

Q: I rely on Social Security disability, and since there’s a Social Security office in Manila, I’m ok, yes?

A: Less than easy answer.  There is actually no such thing as "Social Security Disability" is actually shorthand for up to five different types of payments … and you and/or your children might be getting paid more than one ‘flavor. 

Disability Insurance Benefits is the most important type of Social Security disability benefits. It goes to individuals who have worked in recent years (five out of the last 10 years in most cases) who are now disabled. Usually payable no matter where you live.

Disabled Widow’s and Widower’s Benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 and become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their husband or wife. The late husband or wife must have worked enough under Social Security to be insured. usually payable regardless of residency.

Disabled Adult Child Benefits go to the children of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security disability or retirement benefits. The child must have become disabled before age 22. I know of people on this program who have had trouble being paid overseas and other who have not.

For Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow’s or Widower’s Benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter whether the disabled individual is rich or poor. Benefits are paid based upon a Social Security earnings record.

Supplemental Security Income benefits, however, are paid to individuals who are poor and who are disabled. It does not matter for SSI whether an individual has worked in the past or not.  This is not legally useable outside the US, in most cases.  I know of individuals who came to the Philippines to ‘stretch’ their SSI and wound up losing everything.  Exercise extreme caution.

SSI child’s disability benefits are a variety of SSI benefits paid to children under the age of 18 who are disabled. The way in which disability is determined is a bit different for children.  This is complicated and you must find out specifically child by child if you can keep this benefit while overseas.

OK, that should be enough to digest for a while.  Write me (use the contact form) or give me a call at 1-719-966-4295 if there are specific questions I can help you with.

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