You don’t have to be a conservative, a liberal, or anything at all to understand that the health care system in the United States is in trouble.

It doesn’t matter which figures you like the sound of—the health system in the U.S. is about numbers…big numbers. Like $2.5 trillion—that’s how much will be spent on health care this year. That’s more than $8,000 for every man, woman, and child living in the U.S. right now…almost twice what Canada spends.

Despite the big numbers being pumped into U.S. healthcare (more than any other country), the World Health Organization says 36 other countries are ahead of the U.S. in the rankings for "best health system".

Whether you use Medicare or Medicaid…whatever your plan…whoever is your private insurance provider…your healthcare is ultimately run by an accountant, not a doctor. We’re all part of the numbers game.

Nothing against accountants…but if my sink leaks, I call a plumber. If I see smoke, I call the fire department. And if I get sick, I want decisions about my care to be made exclusively by a doctor or some other health care professional.

These days, that can be a challenge, no matter what health plan you have. Unless you use "Law No. 9" (also known as the "jubilado" plan.)

You’ve probably never heard of this health care plan. It can never be affected by any U.S. health care reform. No government official, from your local country clerk all the way up to congress can change the terms of this plan in any way.

Today, Jessica Ramesch will tell you all about it—her dad uses it all the time.

Len Galvin

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How Panama’s Retiree Benefits Saved Us Thousands

By Jessica Ramesch

"What’s this 25% discount for?"

When I first moved back to Panama, I didn’t understand why my dad’s power bill reflected a 25% credit. He explained that, since he had retired, he was taking full advantage of the benefits accorded to him by law. The credit was actually a monthly discount offered to all jubilados or retirees…but that wasn’t all…

I accompanied him to the bank. I thought Dad was "just being Dad" when he cut in front of everyone and was attended to by the next available teller. The look of embarrassment on my face must have been priceless. "Honey," he clucked, pointing to the JUBILADO sign meant for retirees. He was entitled and encouraged to go up front.

I soon learned that, jubilado sign or not, most establishments in Panama attend to senior citizens as quickly as possible. (The same goes for moms-to-be and anyone with a physical disability.)

Cheaper power and prompt service aren’t all—Dad gets half off movie tickets (half off!), and 25% off restaurant bills… Last week we went to Nawab’s—the newest, best Indian restaurant in Panama City—and ordered like there was no tomorrow. Succulent curried paneer, yellow lentil soup, fresh-baked flat bread, fragrant basmati rice, and more…and the total check was less than $10 per person. Quite a bargain for an authentic meal in a trendy part of town.

Discounts on dinner and movies are great, but we recently found out just how much we stand to save on the more serious expenses in life. We learned Dad had a herniated disc in his spine. The problem made it difficult for him to walk and drive, and his legs alternated between numbness and pins and needles.

He has Panamanian social security, which means most of his medications and medical consults are free. However, we decided we wanted to get a second opinion—from the best doctor we could find. We paid for a private consult with a neurologist, and with the mandatory 20% retiree discount, the bill was just $45.

The consult was at Paitilla Hospital, one of the nation’s most prestigious facilities. A friend recommended it because Paitilla and its affiliate, the Cleveland Clinic, held a joint symposium on neuroscience in 2008 (the clinics hold joint conferences every year). The best part of the consult was the good doctor himself—Dr. Aron Benzadón Cohen. He listened. He spoke English to my dad. He even gave us 10 days worth of free samples of a pain medication.

Now we have learned dad will probably need an MRI. It’s good to know that this test (which can cost $2,000 in the U.S.) is likely to cost us less than $350 if we pay out-of-pocket.

Better known as the Pensionado Program, Panama’s retiree benefits are unparalleled in the region. In addition to discounts on entertainment, restaurants, healthcare, and more, the Pensionado program can save you money on loans, the importation of household goods, and the importation or local purchase of a car. In fact, my family has saved thousands over the past five years.

You can learn all about the Pensionado program and Panama’s other wonderful incentives here.