Former Floridians Jessica Moyal and husband Henri use Mexico's health care program to save money.

Mexico's health care lures Americans
Updated 9/1/2009 1:25 PM | Comments 2,604 | Recommend 92 E-mail | Save | Print |


Enlarge By Rebecca Holzer, USA TODAY

Former Floridians Jessica Moyal and husband Henri use Mexico's health care program to save money.

By Chris Hawley, USA TODAY
MEXICO CITY — It sounds almost too good to be true: a health care plan with no limits, no deductibles, free medicines, tests, X-rays, eyeglasses, even dental work — all for a flat fee of $250 or less a year.
To get it, you just have to move to Mexico.

As the United States debates an overhaul of its health care system, thousands of American retirees in Mexico have quietly found a solution of their own, signing up for the health care plan run by the Mexican Social Security Institute.

The system has flaws, the facilities aren't cutting-edge, and the deal may not last long because the Mexican government said in a recent report that it is "notorious" for losing money. But for now, retirees say they're getting a bargain.