KClark

13 hours ago, ericthai said:

If you're living in the USA at least 6  months out of the year then you should look into Medicare advantage plans. Some of the plans in some areas in the USA have a part B refund. These plans work with Tri-care too. 

Thanks for the info, and for bringing your work history and knowledge to this forum.  I'm afraid I don't spend that much time in the USA, and even if I did my income would exclude me from any refund of part B.  However, when in the US the medicare/tricare combination works really well, according to some buds of mine who have had recent experience with this.  Relying solely on tricare while living here is a bit more costly but manageable, and the catastrophic cap aspect is very comforting.  Healthcare 'coverage' is just not a concern for my wife and I and for that I'm very grateful.  I know there are many who do struggle finding affordable healthcare.  I wish it were otherwise.  

However, we are not able to assist you with your inquiry without the following information:

-      Last Name:

-      First Name:

-      Middle Name:

-      Date of Birth:

-      Place of Birth:

-      Last four digits of Social Security Number (SSN):

-      Address:

-      Contact Number:

I sent them all my relevant data in my initial email to them.  Didn't seem to matter as they simply sent me a very short enrollment request back.  I think just the mention of name, address, medicare nbr and your intent would be sufficient for first salvo.  The form they'll send back ask for:

medicare nbr

name

address

phone nbr

check the box that says you want part B.  

That's about it.  When they respond they'll acknowledge your request and state "Action was taken to enroll you in Medicare Part B."  

Sorry--make that "a few days later" they will acknowledge.......................  I live in Thailand and my local address here is what's registered with Soc Sec.  I'm retired Army and our insurance program, Tricare, requires we sign up for Part B at age 65 to maintain Tricare coverage.  So while I essentially had no choice, I concur with your notion that signing up at 65 regardless is the prudent thing to do.  Anyway, sounds like your situation is the same as mine, so the email to FBU MNL should do the trick.  Happy hunting.  

Jason,

Recommend you have a look at jazzispas.com.  If you see anything you like send them a query and ask for a price delivered to your house, all costs included (jacuzzi, transport to Thailand (Bangkok), subsequent ground transport to Chiang Mai, and customs or related charges, etc.).  I was in the market for one some 5 years ago but didn't want to pay the ridiculous prices as you mentioned.  I found Jazzi on Alibaba and sent them a note asking if they would sell and ship to an individual.  A few back and forth emails and I ordered one, which I've now enjoyed for almost 5 years.  As I recall my total cost was about half of what comparable models were costing locally.  

I just looked at the Jazzi web site and they no longer sell the model I bought, but it was very similar to the SKT338 (about 80 jets, 2 pumps and 1 heater, LED lights, etc.).  I paid about Baht 140k total, delivered to my house (Ban Chang, Rayong Province).  Still working like a charm, and a helluva lot easier to maintain than my swimming pool.  Trick is to just change the water regularly, and perhaps throw in a couple tablespoons of chlorine after a heavy session with lots of folks.  Their jacuzzis have ozonators which are suppose to keep the water fairly clean.  I probably average 90 minutes of use per week, and I change the water every two months and change filters.  Kinda learned this lesson the hard way, as I got lazy once and didn't change it or clean filters for about 7 months.  Starting getting what they call white fungus.  Had to do some heavy cleaning to get things back to normal and since then with the regular water/filter changes I haven't had any issues. I clean the filters by soaking them in water with a bit of dish soap for a day or so and then rinse and let dry.  There are two cartridge filters on my tub and I've been rotating the same pair of pairs for over a year now with no trouble.  Not sure how much longer I'll get away with it but working fine for now.

The covers are/at least where sold separately and are/were around $100.  If you go this route recommend you add a spare ozonator (just in case) and some spare filters.  I didn't think/know to do this with the original purchase and paid about $100 shipping for a spare ozonator and 8 filters (which I couldn't find anywhere around here.  That package was $270 total to give you some idea.  No problems with the ozonator yet so still have a spare.

At the time I purchased Jazzi hadn't worked out an agreement with Alibaba for the payment protection plan.  I was very leery paying a company in China before delivery and inspection but after some research on Jazzi and numerous emails with Jenifer at Jazzi I did just that.  They import all the essential parts (acrylic from USA, Balboa control panels from AU, can't recall now where pumps and heater are from but probably one of the afore mentioned).  

The delivery guys they use from Bangkok didn't have a lift on the truck.  Luckily I had a large work crew at my house and plenty of metal pole scaffolding, so we just rolled it on poles to get it in position.

Good luck with whatever you decide.  I certainly enjoy mine.  

For your budget you can get a very nice, nearly-new car with low miles and still under warranty.  Check out One2Car.com and Kaidee.com, set parameters of say 2017-2020 year model, maximum of 15K km and your maximum budget and you'll be surprised at all your options.  Buying a car still under warranty will give you some assurance, but you should also make sure the car has not been involved in a major accident, had significant repainting (indicates repair) or been flooded.  Car dealers are required by law to divulge this, so make sure you ask the question. Also, if you have a friend who knows cars bring them along to double-check.  My recent experience is dealers will divulge the cars history but better to have someone else verify if you have any suspicions.  If you do find a car you like you can also condition the deal on having the car inspected by a mechanic of your choosing.  Easy enough to hire a mechanic to come along with you for a 1,000 baht or so if you can literally save a few hundred thousand baht off the new price.

Other posters have rightfully mentioned Honda and Toyota as reliable brands, but they are also the most ubiquitous brands which means you never have to drive far to have it serviced.  I find dealer services here to be very affordable as well, and have more confidence they will actually inspect and replace per the scheduled maintenance recommendations.  

Incidentally, even Volvos are made in China now (at least two factories there I understand).  Happy hunting.

Venus Jewelry (Venus-Thailand.com) on Wittayu Rd, across from Lumpini Park.  Family business started in 1966, very reputable and they stand behind their products and workmanship.  Favorite of visiting U.S. military for decades.  Won't hurt to at least give them a visit.  I'm sure the wife will appreciate whatever you end up getting.  Happy hunting.