Same-sex couples health coverage through CAJA is now possible. Although Costa Rica is way behind on some human rights issues like the “in vitro” case, the CAJA has been able to make a huge change in its rules and regulations.
On November 19, 2014, the CAJA or C.C.S.S. (Social Security system in Costa Rica) approved the proposal to reform article 10 of the Health Insurance regulation. This approval changes the concept of partnership. With this change, same-sex couples’ health coverage is included in the same conditions in medical services that heterosexual partners have.
This change is a huge advantage to same-sex couples who plan to move to Costa Rica or are already living here. By Costa Rican immigration law, every foreigner who wants to be a Costa Rica resident needs to be registered at the CAJA. When registering, it is necessary to show income and to make the monthly CAJA payment. Once this change is fully approved, not having to pay CAJA for two single persons constitutes a huge saving.
Hospital Rights
The change made due to much pressure from the LGBT community in Costa Rica. It was formalized in February 2015 and the result is:
- Make it possible for same-sex partners to have hospital visitation rights,
- Have the ability to make medical decisions,
- Receive the same medical services and
- Have the ability to ensure a non-working partner as their family member.
Same-sex Marriage
On 26 May 2020, same-sex marriage in Costa Rica is legalized as a result of a ruling by the Supreme Court of Justice. Costa Rica is the first country in Central America to recognize and perform same-sex marriages.
To be able to take advantage of this change in the social security system, LGBT couples have to prove they have been living as a couple for at least 3 years.
Pension Fund
The CAJA or CCSS has not yet found a solution to the pension fund issues. Such as what if the working and CAJA paying partner passes away and the surviving partner will claim the pension. LGBT couples will be paying the same amount as a heterosexual couple.
More Changes
The CAJA has several other projects for changes in the law. One of them really shows how much behind Costa Rica is on some issues: A working wife is not able to ensure her not working husband at this moment. Or one who is a houseman, something quite normal in 1st world countries. Especially when the wife is able to receive a much higher salary than the husband.
Another project the CAJA has in mind is acknowledging the existence of the transsexual gender.
Same-sex couples health coverage will make CAJA payments much easier for LGBT couples. If you are in the market to purchase a property in Costa Rica, GoDutch Realty is an LGBT friendly real estate company. Contact us now.
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