Two more unlike things: mail and medicine.
In mid-March, I need to shut down my local post office box. When I moved to Salem, I had all of my magazines sent to a postal box because the house was still being remodeled. I never got around to closing down the the box. That was 17 years ago.
My magazines (National Review, The Economist, National Geographic, The American Spectator) give me as much pleasure as reading books. I would miss having them available in Mexico. I thought I could weekly pick up copies at the Manzanillo airport. But the news kiosk carries nothing but glossy spreads on teenager singers and their middle-aged boyfriends. Not exactly what I had in mind for my retirement years.
I understand that some Melaque residents use a mail service in Manzanillo for magazine deliveries. But the majority of residents have assured me that the Mexican postal service is reliable for home mail delivery.
I have the address of the house where I will be staying. About a month before I leave, I intend to change my mailing address to the Melaque house. If that does not work, I can always read the magazines online. If the Kindle had a better magazine subscription service, I would solve the mailing issue with that new toy.
I am not moving to Mexico for the medical services. But, if I need them, I certainly will appreciate the good quality, low prices that Mexican medicine provides, as discussed in going to health.
Before I leave, though, I need to do several things.
First, I need to sign up for Tricare services under my federal service retirement. The basic program will reimburse me for 75% of my out-of-pocket expenses in Mexico.
Second, I need to buy a new pair of eyeglasses under my current insurance. Mine broke into three pieces this morning.
Third, before I lose my current insurance, I need to schedule and have a physical examination. I cannot recall the last one I had. Maybe about 12 years or so ago. I tend to avoid doctors -- even though mine is a good friend from high school. For all I know, my warranty has run out.
Fourth, I need to consider vaccinations. I say "consider," because the same list comes up every time I travel to tropical areas: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus-diptheria. And on every trip I decide not to seek out the vaccinations. My doctor usually does not recommend vaccinations. But I will talk with him again. This may turn out to be a quick check-off item.
Fifth, I will be heading south with no health insurance other than Tricare that I mentioned above. At some point, I intend to look into catastrophic health insurance. But that is extremely low on my priority list. I consider most health insurance to be an incredible waste of money. (And, yes, I know. The Greek gods have a way of dealing with hubris this bold.)
If I can finish those two items, I will have some hing to read while I wait for the doctor in Mexico.
In mid-March, I need to shut down my local post office box. When I moved to Salem, I had all of my magazines sent to a postal box because the house was still being remodeled. I never got around to closing down the the box. That was 17 years ago.
My magazines (National Review, The Economist, National Geographic, The American Spectator) give me as much pleasure as reading books. I would miss having them available in Mexico. I thought I could weekly pick up copies at the Manzanillo airport. But the news kiosk carries nothing but glossy spreads on teenager singers and their middle-aged boyfriends. Not exactly what I had in mind for my retirement years.
I understand that some Melaque residents use a mail service in Manzanillo for magazine deliveries. But the majority of residents have assured me that the Mexican postal service is reliable for home mail delivery.
I have the address of the house where I will be staying. About a month before I leave, I intend to change my mailing address to the Melaque house. If that does not work, I can always read the magazines online. If the Kindle had a better magazine subscription service, I would solve the mailing issue with that new toy.
I am not moving to Mexico for the medical services. But, if I need them, I certainly will appreciate the good quality, low prices that Mexican medicine provides, as discussed in going to health.
Before I leave, though, I need to do several things.
First, I need to sign up for Tricare services under my federal service retirement. The basic program will reimburse me for 75% of my out-of-pocket expenses in Mexico.
Second, I need to buy a new pair of eyeglasses under my current insurance. Mine broke into three pieces this morning.
Third, before I lose my current insurance, I need to schedule and have a physical examination. I cannot recall the last one I had. Maybe about 12 years or so ago. I tend to avoid doctors -- even though mine is a good friend from high school. For all I know, my warranty has run out.
Fourth, I need to consider vaccinations. I say "consider," because the same list comes up every time I travel to tropical areas: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus-diptheria. And on every trip I decide not to seek out the vaccinations. My doctor usually does not recommend vaccinations. But I will talk with him again. This may turn out to be a quick check-off item.
Fifth, I will be heading south with no health insurance other than Tricare that I mentioned above. At some point, I intend to look into catastrophic health insurance. But that is extremely low on my priority list. I consider most health insurance to be an incredible waste of money. (And, yes, I know. The Greek gods have a way of dealing with hubris this bold.)
If I can finish those two items, I will have some hing to read while I wait for the doctor in Mexico.
