Health care and air conditioning

The existing medical system is CAJA and yes they cover per-existing conditions.  What you will pat is a crap shoot depending on what residency program you apply under.  There is no set schedule or chart as to what you will pay.  We applied for residency 20 months ago and are still in the system.  In the interim we pay our own prescriptions. 
Electricity is based on an escalating scale.  This is an old link but it explains the concept.  Many of us who have made the move have chose to live in higher elevations.  We have 22 houses in our community and only one has A/C.

Let me say that the private medical system here, is 'top notch' and it is cheaper than in the US. The public system, CAJA, can leave a lot to be desired... Although this socialized health care covers pre-existing conditions, most expats also use private practitioners or purchase insurance,  since there is usually a long wait for appointments for specialists and the wait time surgery could be a lengthy one. Most private insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions.
If you have a serious condition, suggest you go private by either having insurance or pay as you go, so you may want to keep medicare, just in case.

Until you have achieved residency you will not be covered by CAJA. They often substitute generic medications, so some choose to purchase the original Rx's at a local pharmacy. Your CAJA premium will be a percentage  of your declared pension that you have used for residency and it is mandatory when applying for residency.

Electricity is high, and how much you use will depend on location, type of climatic conditions and how comfortable you if it's hot and especially if living at the beach, expect to pay $$$'s.

Come and tour the country and perform your due diligence....before packing up and selling the farm.

Having just looked at your previous posts, I am confused as I see you have already got your residency.
In this case, you should have been registered with CAJA in order to receive your cedula, and expected to pay the monthly premium, unless you have some other agreement with them.  I would check where you stand in regards to CAJA , as if you are delinquent in paying it, you may be refused entry into the country.

Please excuse me, if I am incorrect in regards to this matter.

Good advice.  Thanks

Hello everyone,

I created a new thread from your posts on the Costa Rica forum so that you may better interact.

All the best,
Bhavna