Jingthing

Yeah you could start over that way or you could just pay for an agent to work his magic. Personally I wouldn't like either choice but you created this problem by not asking questions much earlier.

I think I found the answer about Medigap and other Medicare expat issues. So there is foreign coverage if you start Medigap BEFORE you expatriate. That said its fair to assume that enrolling in Medigap as an expat and faking being a US state resident would be a fraudulent enrollment. Read further in the link for why Medigap is not good coverage for long term expats even if enrolled legitimately. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/retiring-abroad-what-medicare-plan-should-i-get People with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) can get a Medigap policy (also known as a Medicare supplement plan) that provides coverage of emergency medical expenses outside the U.S. Medigap plans are regulated and sold at the state level. According to UnitedHealthcare spokeswoman Sarah Bearce, you need to be a resident of a state when you first buy a Medigap plan. After that, if you moved outside the U.S., your Medigap plan would continue in effect so long as you paid the premiums.

Is too damn high!

Yeah but we're expats not immigrants don't ya know.

Yes. Currently those of us with SS claims that SS knows to not be US residents are automatically enrolled in Medicare part A at 65 but not part B. So if that was the policy when you turned 65 you would need to enroll in Part B yourself if you want it.

I think this is a loaded question because a significant percentage of repatriation happens because of negative events. In other words they would have preferred to stay BUT ran out of money fled legal trouble visa denials health crisis relationship meltdown needing to care for a relative back home. Etc. So naturally most such people will be less happy back home.

I think you're fooling yourself if you think its actually meant for non US residents without actually knowing that. But up to you.

Are you afraid to call them and ask the question? I would be because its almost definitely meant for US residents. But ignorance is bliss I guess.

You misunderstood the issue being addressed. I was responding only to the ss aspect there. Not medicare A B enrollment. Many expats present to SS as US residents to avoid the proof of life letter. That is fraud. If discovered they will freeze payments. Also yes of course US residents that live abroad part time but not long enough to change their residency status like snowbirds don't have an issue with non AB Medicare parts. I previously mentioned that.

No that does not prove what you say it does. Are you ex military?

Without knowing the details the question would be is the policy covering claims abroad based on you being a US resident that travels or for an actual expat. I suspect the former in which case making claims abroad when you are not a US resident is insurance fraud. How about this? Why don't you call your company and ask them explicitly? If a policy holders residence status is no longer in the US as opposed to just traveling can you still make valid claims? Until you do that this has become pointless.

If you're living abroad and telling ss that you live in the US that is fraud.

Good example. Because all parts other than A and B are based on US zip code RESIDENCE. That said a snowbird that went to Mexico every winter can still legitimately use all parts.

Expats are not eligible to enroll or use Medigap or Advantage. Using either while still in expat status is fraud.

I never said enrolling in A or B or using them in the US while still an expat is fraud. I said the opposite.

The requirement for the letter has not been in effect for this or last year because of the pandemic.

Its fraud. For example if ss discovers they can freeze your payments and put you through a ringer to get restored. They even have the power to prosecute for that. As far as Medicare I guess it wouldn't be actionable fraud unless you actually used the non A or B benefit.

Read it again. Note the word ENROLLED. If you're enrolled you could use during a trip. Expats are only allowed to enroll in A and B. If you're faking not being an expat you could fraudently enroll in other parts. If you enroll in other parts while a US resident and then become an expat you're supposed to CANCEL them.

It's not fraud to have ss payments direct deposited in the U.S. I do but ss, IRS, and Medicare know that I live abroad. Here are some examples of fraud: Claiming to ss that you live in the US when you don't to avoid proof of life letters. Enrolling in and making claims during a trip to the US using any Medicare parts other than A and B including Advantage when you actually are an expat. More complicated cases are snowbird type expats. There are rules for determining your primary residence country.

I was mailed a pamphlet entitled: Welcome to Medicare Information for people living outside the United States

Yes, people that think they might qualify for that exception really need to confirm that. That said I'm not sure how exactly that could be done given that Part B enrollment is done through Social Security not Medicare.

Yes. I remain totally confused about this. I can't take the risk of taking a trip and not being able to get back or not having my annual extension expiry date honored.

When pigs fly.

Start another topic. Off topic bait ignored.

No penalty if you've been on qualifying insurance.