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I plan to move to Costa Rica and apply for Pensionado status. Does anyone know if this will affect my Social Security pension benefits? I appreciate any and all input and/or info. Also, if anyone knows about CHAMPA benefits, which I now have, for Pensionados, please let me know. Thank you!
Your Social Security rights are not affected by your place of legal residence. You’re eligible for what you’re eligible for. You can live in Costa Rica, as a legal resident, and have your monthly Social Security check deposited directly into a local Costa Rican bank.
Tell us what CHAMPA is and maybe we can help with that.
CHAMVA is secondary medical insurance for dependents of deceased service connected veterans. I am a widow of such a veteran. I know there’s a VA office at CIMA hospital but I can’t reach them by telephone.
MarciaMarcia, CIMA Hospital’s main telephone number is: 506-208-1000. You can reach them via e-mail at cima@hospitalcima.com
Marcia, what sort of questions were you asking. My husband and I use ChampVa. You can fire away, I think perhaps I can answer most of your questions. A few statemenst, make sure your information in DEERS is current and you can even notify them that you are moving to Costa Rica. It is not necessary but they may have some information available for you.
When you move to Costa Rica you will be covered under TRI-Care standard so that means you will have to pay 25% of the first $1,500 for single and $3,000 for married or family. The 25% is not bad because cost in Costa Rica are so much lower. That would include payment for medication also.
It is funny,Marcia if the doctor is paid directly his charge is about $35.00 and if he is paid through ChampVa they are paid $75.00. I hate that part. So sometimes I just pay and send the bill in for reimbursement. My medical needs are not very great, but I have used the service and it is comforting to know it is available.
You have to sign up for medicare when you get 65 or you will not be covered. You have no choice even if you do not intend to ever return to the United States and medicare does not cover medical cost out of the USA.
We have had some problems with the administration because one organization that was handling the ChampVa was found in a fraud situation. More or less their hands in the pot. So that put a wrench in the system for a while.
Jim and Jo Ella are very nice people and you can reach Jo Ella by E-mail. If you would like that e-mail address, let me know.
Thank you for your post Jenny. I now have CHAMPVA but I don’t know what DEERS is or how to get it or if I already have it. I very much appreciate your help.
Marcia, just go to your champva office in your area. They will fill you in on everything that you will need. Also if you are getting a pension from the military, they will pay it over here now but only in Colones. So, check on that and please do not forget VA. If you have ChampVa you may not have to pay that 25%. You are covered under both systems.
Anything just ask. Jenny
Thanks Jenny but I live in the country and there is no VA office anywhere near me. The VA finally answered my e-mails and between them and you I think I’ve found out what I need to know. Thank you so much.
MarciaOkay, and you are certainly welcome. Let me know when you hit the ground in Costa Rica. Sure hope your transition will be a pleasant one.
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