I too have my SS direct deposited in an account in the US. I retired from a county medical system and have complete coverage for the rest of my life with them. I signed over my Medi-Care to them also. I have had a knee and hip replaced since moving here and it has cost me ZERO dollars in California.

My biggest problem with the US health care system is how long it takes to get anything done. I was in almost debilitating pain with my hip and all the docs agreed and it still took 3 months to get the surgery. Even then the care givers were surprised I got it SO FAST!
AND - it did not cost me one red cent.

All of my prescriptions are covered and my son sends them to me.
I keep enough frequent flyer miles to cover any airfare should I need it and not have the money.

Here, if I have a rash or bite or anything I have not been able to cure my self I call my doctor and she sees me that day. It costs me $15 US so I don't even bother with the paperwork to get reimbursed.

I also use RAIN FOREST REMEDIES book for everyday solutions. I grew up poor and in small towns or country. We never ran to the doctor the way so many people do these days.

Having worked 30 years at the hospital and clinic I became aware of the abuses on both sides (patient & care giver). Lawsuits and insurance are the major contributors to the cost in the US.

To many people their caregiver is their best friend and there seems to be no cure for loneliness. We were all taught that a smile, kind word or pat on the hand was as needed and healing as any prescription.

Here is a true story:

A four year old boy just couldn't sit still for the more than an hours wait for his mother to see the doctor. The waiting room was crowded, hot and noisy and after many attempts to keep the child in his seat the mother picked him and and and with a hard push sat him down in his chair. The boy immediately started crying and said "You broke both my balls!" A hush fell over the room and the boy stuck both his hands into his pants pockets ad pulled a dented ping pong ball from each.

An old man walked over and gave the kid a dollar and left saying "Thanks son, you did me more good than any doctor could have."

It's all relative.

Harriette
Take only pictures leave only bubbles