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Costa Rica is a great place for veterans to live. The country boasts the largest percentage of expats in Latin America, almost ten percent of the country comes from other places. Costa Rica has year-round spring-like weather, a stable democracy (the oldest one in Latin America), good healthcare, a multitude of outdoor activities, and a relatively low cost of living. Over the years the country has been an increasingly popular destination for veterans, expats, digital nomads and retirees.
Good news! Costa Rica has healthcare for American veterans who are service connected and/or retired through the Foreign Medical Program
Veterans love living in Costa Rica, it’s an adventurous place and the country feels like an outdoor playground. Costa Rica ranks consistently as one of the happiest countries and you’ll see why when you arrive, the people are friendly. Pura Vida(Pure Life) is the most popular phrase in the country. It’s a friendly way to say hello, what’s up, or goodbye. The country has a solid infrastructure, internet, and clean water. It’s one of the few countries in the world with NO military, it was abolished in 1948.
Groups like the Marine Corps League and American Legion welcome veterans from all branches of the service.
Marine Corps League
American Legion Costa Rica Post 10
- Website: www.alcr10.org
- Facebook: amlegioncr
- Chuck Turner: (506) 8355-4488
Medical Services for Vets in Costa Rica
Those who are disabled and/or have service-connected disabilities are eligible for TRICARE
Remember that whatever type of health care you receive, you may need to pay up front and file a claim with the overseas claims processor to be reimbursed. Be sure to keep all receipts associated with your care.
TRICARE serves millions of active-duty service members, retired service members, National Guard and Reserve members, family members, and survivors worldwide.
You must have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to be eligible for TRICARE For Life, even if you live overseas and Medicare does NOT provide coverage for retired service members and their families.
If you don’t have Medicare Part-B, you will be dropped from TRICARE and not be medically insured. Once again, MEDICARE cannot be used in Costa Rica. Veterans cannot cancel MEDICARE Part-B at any time, or they will be dropped out of TRICARE. Permanent penalties apply if you register in MEDICARE Part-B after age 65. Public Law 106-398, October 30, 2000, mandates Medicare Part-B enrollment if you wish to remain eligible for TRICARE Life (TFL) at age 65 and beyond.
If you are enrolling in Medicare Part-B to keep your TRICARE for Life benefits, you must answer “YES” when the Social Security representative asks if you want to enroll in Medicare Part-B. Any veteran that hasTRICARE insurance must be prepared to pay cash up-front. Many hospitals and some doctors reserve the right to accept or decline TRICARE. Make sure detailed receipts are secured from the hospital to submit reimbursement claims to TRICARE . You have three years to submit your claim from overseas. Claims can be submitted online once you create a TRICARE account athttp://www.tricareoverseas.com/Beneficiaries.htm
The Clínica Biblica offers a veteran’s care program designed to provide medical support tailored to the unique needs of military veterans.
- For information: Omega Medical Tower, 1stfloor
- (506) 2522-1500 Ext: 6095/6097
- Mobile: (506) 8427-0776
TRICARE and Billing Services
IMPORTANT MEETING FOR VETS
If you are a retired veteran living in Costa Rica, you are invited to a meeting on June 28th from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Hospital Clinica Biblica San Jose auditorium, 4th floor.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the challenges veterans are facing with using their VA insurance FMP outside of the USA. also we add TRICARE insurance issues for those veterans that are retired. We understand that there have been significant issues due to the poor administration by the VA office in the USA, resulting in many providers refusing to accept the insurance. Additionally, even when bills are submitted, they are often not paid.
We are currently in discussions with the top Leadership of the Veterans Administration , and members of congress to resolve these issues so that everyone can utilize their benefits without any problems. In this meeting, I am pleased to introduce, US Combat Veteran Esteban Blis, President and founder of YOU SERVED WE CARE FOUNDATION and Dr. Joseph Caruso, Vice President of YOU SERVED, WE CARE FOUNDATION, the most influential none profit organization in benefits of veterans outside of the United States working in over 18 countries who will speak to us about the work of the foundation all these years and your questions .
This foundation was picked by US Agencies in recommendation by the Veterans Administration to try to get the information, complains and to see how can make the FMP program better to veterans living outside of the United States.
We want you to know that you are not alone; we need your opinion and voice, we are fighting to assist you and ensure your rights are upheld after the immense sacrifice and bravery each of you has shown in serving the USA.
Lic. Jeannette Varela G.
Medical Billing Specialist
Tel: (506) 8382-5533 / USA Tel. (530) 6618845
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