Seguros y Churros

Last night we learned about the healthcare system in Mexico. There are four basic segments and it is all run by the government - healthcare is a deemed a right, not a privilege. In the clinics where I work, the healthcare people have is called Seguro Popular. There are no co-pays, no costs for check ups, lab work, or surgeries. Patients may have to pay for some medications but that is rare. Oportunidades is a form of healthcare that branches from Seguro Popular. It actually costs families money to have, however, if patients check in every 6 months then the government helps cover the cost. A family can only have Oportunidades if they have children (and the children are attending school - school is not a requirement here). 

The other forms of healthcare include: ISSSTE which is for government workers, ISSFAM is for military personnel and their families, and IMSS which is your basic healthcare for the working class and does come with a cost. Usually the employer pays half the cost and the employee pays the other half. If the employee does not want to have to pay for IMSS they may always opt to have Seguro Popular but the healthcare provided is not as good.  

 

I snapped some shots of town on my way to the bus stop this morning. Early mornings and when it is raining are the best times to be out because no one else is. Usually the streets are packed with cars and the sidewalks with people.

The only form of green within a kilo of my place.

At the end of the day I went to a local bakery with some friends: Laura, Taylor, and Kirsten. It was fresh baked and some of it still warm! Sooo good.

It did not just rain today, it poured! And for several hours too.

Taylor and Kirsten (whimp)

Did I mention people do not like rain here? When it rains they go hide and try to wait it out. Normally this square is crowded with all sorts of life. Instead you can see people huddling in the door way of the church (there is a clown on the far right). We definitely felt like tourists when walking around.

Zocalo in the rain

 Eventually we decided to take for cover too and ended up in a sandwich shop. One of the wares included chocolate covered churros. This one is for you, Dad:

Chocolate covered churros and stuffed donos at Tito's