BKKSnowBird

I have but got a vague answer. I like the suggestion someone said about writing internation ops with the hopes of getting a response in writing. You can't rely on what they tell you on these 800 numbers.

Its always nice to hear it from someone who has done it but it seems most retire to Thailand before retirement age and get their benefits when they become appropriate age. I may also start a thread after doing some more research.

I know about the penalty and want to avoid it.

I have MA now which satisfies the Part D requirement.

I am trying to find out the best way to cancel MA and make sure it is recorded that I am a non resident and not required to have it.

I can't imagine I can show up a few years later and say I just moved back and want to sign up without penalty.

Agree with the above regarding tipping. Places will ask for a tip even though you place your order at the counter, pick it up when called and clear your own trash. I guess they want a tip for cooking the food. Lol

They also now tell you how many calories are in your food right on the menu but its not working. People are still fat.

Lol. I got that also! Americans dont know geography and most don't care to. I actually enjoy studying maps!

So does anyone know how to make sure your time living abroad will not be counted against you. Meaning no part D required. I can't imagine they just take your word for it.

Yes, they dont make it clear. Also, how do you prove you were not a resident from x to x, but now are back and want to sign up without penalty? Stamps in your passport? I would guess whatever you had on record with the SSA.

Are you sure of that? I would prefer to keep the Advantage policy in place as it does not cost me anything other than the part B premium. That way there is no gap and good to go if I did have to return. I know I would have to return to my current geographical area due to its a HMO network but I'm OK with that.

I would think updating your address with the SSA would automatically update it with Medicare.

Be prepared for many blank stares and suspicious looks when you tell people you lived in Thailand. I have found it easier just to leave it out of conversations. Its hard because living there was a big part of my life and miss it but people just don't get it.

I am actually thinking of returning to Thailand.

What if I have a Medicare Advantage plan now as I live in the US but plan to move to Thailand? I understand its illegal to keep the Advantage plan if I don't live in the US.

I will continue to pay part B but would want to avoid a penalty on an Advantage or part D plan if I did decide to return to the US someday.

Do I just make sure Medicare knows I moved? I did ask them once but the rep didn't seem sure.

So bum guns. Any need to import special hardware from Thailand. I reckon installing one would be against condo codes though. Darn all those rules!

Amazon.com has everything you need. Youtube for instruction. Done!

No need to bring from Thailand.

Most US cell plans are unlimited talk and text now.$40 to get unlimited talk, text and 1 GB of data. About $70+ for unlimited data.

Buy your phone or they will break the cost into 24 monthly payments and add it to the above.

What is difference between a claim and an application?

Never heard of that code either. Its also much cheaper to call the US than Manila.

If the SSA finds out you are working, that may be a problem come CDR time. It doesn't matter you are not being paid. Have you had a CDR yet?

Some guys will do anything not to go home.

I am interested in this also. Following...

Boat

8 hours? Its been a few years but I think driving is faster. Hopefully the train is safer.

There is always a reason for the low price! But I can't afford a high price.

I get why people love Portland. I just don't. C'est la vie. Just as well as I can't afford it. I like Seattle a lot of better which I also can't afford.

Apparently there are a lot of SNAKES in Phoenix? Could be a deal breaker.

If Portland ends up on your short list, then here's another thought:

You might want to consider Vancouver, Washington, which is just across the Columbia River - spitting distance - from Portland.

About a 15 minute drive.

Houses are considerably less expensive than in Portland, and the lots are larger.

I rented a nice 3br ranch for $800 in 2012.

No sales tax on food items, and no sales tax at all when you cross the river to Oregon.

Vancouver and Portland have changed a lot since 2012! Portland is the new hot city to live in and there is a shortage of housing which is also effecting Vancouver. Look on cragslist for what places are renting for now. You will be shocked!

You also need to be recently insured for SSDI. If you have not worked in a job that pays FICA in the last 5 years, you will not qualify no matter how disabled you are.

Many guys who stopped working in their 50s might be suprised how little SS they get since the anount is based on your 35 highest years of paying FICA. Those statments you get assume you will keep working until "normal" retirement age.

Sorry to hear about the wife.

You could go hang out in Cambodia or Laos for a few weeks. Get your new passport there and a tourist visa to cone back. Atleasr a new passport should make getting accross borders easier.

The Philippines will give you a visa on SSDI. There is also Cambodia. Why stay in Thailand?

I remember you asking about this a year ago. What happened to your filipina gf?

The post office use to be just 500 baht per year. There is also a company called Siam Secure in Pattaya that rents safe deposit and mail boxes. I think they will even text you when mail arrives.

$104 a month is cheap insurance. I would take it just in case. It comes right out of your SS. You will not miss it.

I have zero interest in gambling and more problematically hanging around people who are interested in gambling or even in the industry.

I've been to casinos and I don't even feel like using the slots.

That's a big point against Vegas for me but I know there is more than that in Vegas, but that is the focus there.

Speaking of which, I have read some recent predictions that there will be very major new development on the strip that is more about entertainment, events, sports, and retail as opposed to casinos and also a prediction that the FREE PARKING on the strip will go away, at least when major events are on. Yes, they're trying to get some major sports team right there on the strip. Of course that may take years, but that's the trend.

The heavy stench of cigarette smoke is enough to keep me from having any desire to visit casinos.

Hey Al, what's Coeur d' Alene like these days? I always thought that was a pretty area.

CdA is stunningly beautiful. I cycle, run and swim over there often in the summer months, and we camp in the nearby campgrounds as well. The town continues to grow without loosing its charm. IMO it is one of the nicest places in the US.

I've had several family issues to take care of and that's brought me back to the states these past 3 years. I'm in western Washington and the repatriation hasn't been nearly as horrible as I thought it was going to be.

I think we're going to take a trip over to CdA in the spring, maybe Missoula too. Washington's getting a bit too crowded for my liking. Thinking Northwest 7-8 months, Thailand 4-5.

Thats what I hope to do one day as PNW summers are the best!! OR or WA 8 months and Thailand for the winter. That new METV would be ideal for this and I think there is a Thai consulate in Portland?

I met a nice couple a few years back doing that but winters in Mexico.