ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

GAY • SAME SEX COUPLES can now be INSURED TOGETHER in Costa Rica's Socialized Medicine system - CAJA


I'm not sure why this is news now as I THOUGHT it was voted on back in May 2014 and I also see some articles from October 17, 2014 but I'm seeing it come up again NOW - so, here ya go . . .

YEAHHH!!!!  Gay • Same Sex Couples living in Costa Rica that have been together for 3+ years, can now* register with the CAJA and be covered for Medical Insurance!!!!

AND they will also have hospital visitation rights AND the ability to make medical decisions for surgery and/or in emergencies (THIS is CRUCIAL as I can't tell you how many times I've KNOWN people who's family has disowned their gay son or daughter but when they were in the hospital or worse, on their death bed, they swooped in to make medical decisions AND STEAL EVERYTHING away from their partner - sometimes their partner of 30+ years!! [the karma THEY WILL have to deal with . . . ]).

They also will be able to insure their non-working partner as their family member.


WHY MUST SAME-SEX COUPLES BE TOGETHER 3+ YEARS?
3 years is what is considered "Common-Law Marriage in Costa Rica.


WHAT IS CAJA?
CAJA (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social)
CCSS.sa.cr  •  facebook.com/CCSSDeCostaRica
is Costa Rica's MANDATORY Socialized Medicine system that you MUST register with and pay into if you have Residency.


*WHEN DOES THIS TAKE EFFECT:
All I've seen so far is sometime in February 2015.
(this is interesting as most things that seem to be voted on sure seem to go into effect practically immediately.  Interesting this would take 1-1/2 - 2 months)


WHAT IS THE PROCESS • HOW DOES ONE REGISTER:
I saw this mention in the Tico Times in October 2014
TicoTimes.net/2014/10/17/costa-rica-to-extend-same-sex-couples-equal-rights-in-public-health-care-insurance-access:
"In order to register a partner as a health insurance beneficiary, a person must be affiliated and current with Caja obligations.
The couple then will be interviewed by Caja officials and will be asked to provide a written statement and a witness’ declaration confirming a stable relationship for no less than three years, as well as proof that both are legally single."
The WHERE is still unclear but I'll keep you posted.


I'm SOOOO HAPPY Costa Rica has taken a step in the right direction towards treating ALL God's Children with EQUAL RESPECT!!!

FOR MORE DETAILS CHECK OUT:
GoDutchRealty.com/Costa-Rica-Real-Estate-Blog/Same-sex-couples-Costa-Rica-can-now-insure-each-other-through-CAJA
(check out their other WONDERFUL articles also!!!)



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