Health Plans Geared Toward Mexican Nationals Living In California Gaining In Popularity
The plans, which are part of a growing cross-border health system, offer premiums that are 60 to 70 percent lower than comparable ones in the U.S.
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Two Countries, One Insurance Plan: San Diego Workers Find Medical Care In Tijuana
Although their jobs are in the United States, their health care is in Mexico. On this rainy January morning, the workers and their dependent family members have converged at an eight-story building just yards from the U.S. border. Patients come to SIMNSA for everything from dental care to medical tests to physical therapy to consultations with specialists—all covered under SIMNSA’S cross-border health plan. Nobody here is complaining about crossing the border; in fact, many of them prefer it this way. The co-pay for a doctor’s visit is typically $7, a fraction of what they would pay in the United States, and there are no out-of-pocket deductibles on the plan. Many are Baja California residents, or have family members on the plan who live in Mexico. (Dribble, 1/21)
In other news on health care coverage —
KPCC:
In Deal With Unions, LAUSD Takes Small Step Toward Cutting Healthcare Costs
Late Thursday night, L.A. Unified officials and representatives of the eight labor unions representing district employees took what they hope will be a first step toward curbing those costs — even if it's only a baby step. ... As part of that agreement, L.A. Unified would freeze the amount of money it pays each year — $1.1 billion — to fully cover the healthcare premiums of nearly 60,000 district employees, 36,000 retirees and more than 92,000 of their dependents. (Stokes, 1/19)