Ciudad Acuña, Mexico
Where is Hope?
Hope is located a few miles across the Texas/Mexico border from Del Rio, Texas, in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.
Distance to Hope from a few Texas towns:
San Angelo: 155 miles
San Antonio: 160 miles
Austin: 240 miles
Midland: 240 miles
Abilene: 250 miles
Lubbock: 340 miles
Dallas: 400 miles
El Paso: 425 miles
Why in Mexico?
The answer to this question is multifaceted.
The healthcare policies of Mexico are very different than those exercised in the United States. Mexico's healthcare policies control and monitor clinic conditions and medication usage to insure they are safe and effective. However, they do not operate under the stringent, restrictive FDA guidelines that the US medical system must adhere to.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the price to get a new drug approved by the FDA is currently $500,000,000. And that’s after a 7-15 year waiting period to prove the efficacy and safety of the drug. The real tragedy is that people in the US die needlessly each day from diseases that have been successfully treated in other countries for decades. With the FDA overhead on both cost and approval time, natural, safe and effective treatments do not have a chance to receive FDA approval, simply because they do not offer the financial windfall profits that would enable a company to recoup their investment. The system designed to “protect the U.S. citizens from bad medicine” is also the system that keeps good medicine from being readily available – truly a double-edged sword.
Another reason we're in Mexico - the mentality behind the US medical payment system. The US system is built around insurance reimbursement. This structure represents 1/6 of the total US economy, making medicine and treatment of disease big business. Insurance companies gather premiums, doctors provide services and bill insurance, and most people do not have a clue what medications or procedures cost once they have paid their deductible. Since most people have insurance, this has become the standard of care. The financial incentive of the US health care structure is to treat rather then to cure.
But Mexico has a different way of doing things. According to a September 1, 2009, USA Today article entitled, "Mexico's health care lures Americans," the report states that between 40,000 and 80,000 retirees are moving to Mexico to enroll in the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMMS) program. "It sounds almost too good to be true: a health care plan with no limits, no deductibles, free medicines, tests, X-rays, eyeglasses, even dental work — all for a flat fee of $250 or less a year" for Mexico residents. With a system that is designed to care for masses of people for such low rates, the financial incentive in Mexico is to fix the problem rather than to continue to treat symptoms. There is a greater incentive to fix a gallbladder problem with a $5.00 olive oil gallbladder flush than there is for scheduling surgery for the removal of gallbladder. The goal is to cure the problem instead of treating the symptoms — a cured patients does not have to come back.
In the meantime, until the American medical system is changed, many suffering patients can find help at Hope Wellness Center. Hope's Mexico location allows our staff the freedom to incorporate natural medicine at the necessary dosages for effective treatment. Previously-proven medicines from other countries are also frequently used to the tremendous health benefit of our patients.
Prices & Policies
Hope Wellness Center does not accept insurance associated with federal or state governments, such as Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare, simply because government-associated policies will not pay for treatments outside of the United States.
The type of policy you have will determine whether or not it will pay any part of Hope therapy. To see what your insurance pays, contact them and ask what their coverage is for out-of-country, out-of-network, outpatient treatments for your particular ailment. Some insurance companies may give you a percentage of coverage after your deductible is met. It is your responsibility to pursue reimbursement from your insurance companies. Hope is available to provide the appropriate documentation that may be requested by your insurance company.
After your initial consultation, you will be informed what your weekly payment responsibilities will be. Center fees are all-inclusive, covering physician consultations, nurse care, supplies and medications administered at the center.
Hope accepts cash, check, MasterCard and Visa. Credit card charges will be subject to a conversion rate surcharge.
For financing options, contact - click logo for website.
800-504-4053
One Application, Multiple Loan Options
Loan amounts from $500 to $10,000,000
Rates as low as 3.99%*
6-9 Month Interest Free Loans
No Pre-payment Penalty*
For patients with legitimate financial limitations, please provide two years of tax returns and financial records to Hope's Financial Admissions Coordinator to substantiate indigent claim. Discounting pricing may be available but is completely subject to paying patient volume and may or may not be available during the time frame of your treatment.
Hope tries to provide a number of benevolent positions. These positions are dependent on paying patient volume and may or may not be available during the time frame of your treatment.
Center Schedule
Hope operates as an outpatient center. Patients travel across the border each day for treatment. Arrangements can be made to ride with an Hope staffer or with other patients who are comfortable bringing their own vehicles. Patients are welcome to bring a spouse or companion to stay with them during their treatment time at the center.
Schedule Times are Central Standard Time
Monday 10:30 - 3:00
Tuesday 9:30 - 2:00
Wednesday 9:30 - 2:00
Thursday 9:30 - 2:00
Friday 9:30 - 2:00
Coahuila and Texas share the same daylight saving time changes.
Individual intravenous (IV) therapy containing medicines, vitamins, antibiotics or chemo type therapies are tailored to meet each patient’s treatment goals, The typical daily therapy will consist of the IV therapy, BEMER application, time in the magnet chair and on the uni-directional magnet "the big magnet". After receiving treatments for the day, patients return to Texas, leaving the remainder of the evening and weekends to rest and enjoy.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing high protein snacks such as fruit, cheese, nuts, avocado, juices etc., with you to help your glucose levels remain stable as you receive your IV therapy. You should bring a large mug so that you consume large amounts of water to help flush your system. In the beverage area there is a water dispenser that contains hot or cold filtered, ozonated water that is safe to drink and really delicious and fresh. We also recommend bringing your favorite tea to enjoy during your session.
Meals: You can bring your lunch or eat at a restaurant in Mexico right before or after treatment, or do as you wish when you return to Texas.
Internet: There is wireless Internet access in all the rooms of the center and the beautiful patio area.
Cell Phones: Most cell phones will access the US Del Rio towers from the Center, however you may want to turn off the roaming data and phone services. It is recommended that you check with your cell phone carrier regarding International charges. In some instances the calls and texts are free but voice mail was picked up as International roaming charges and issued $0.99 per voice mail.
If you like to read, bring books or magazines. Visit our patient resource center for suggested reading and research. Treatment rooms have magnetic chairs, recliners, blankets, and pillows for your comfort. You are welcome to bring your own pillow and/or blanket. The stations are set up in a circle to allow patients the therapeutic benefit of talking with other people who are going through similar health struggles. Visiting also makes the time pass more quickly. Other areas are designed for quiet for those patients who would prefer to rest.
Transportation
Taxi services
Two taxi services listed by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce are City Taxi at (830) 775-6344 and Del Rio Taxi Service at (830) 775-4448. Both provide transportation across the border. Taxis are also available in Mexico. Ask the Hope staff for more information.
Driving your own vehicle
Check with your insurance company about the coverage it offers to drivers in Mexico. Many insurance companies provide coverage for drivers within 25 miles of the border. Hope is only a few miles past the border.
Staff assistance/carpooling
The Hope staff is happy to assist you in your transportation needs. We can arrange for you to ride with or follow a staff member to the center if necessary. Request this service upon scheduling so that we can make arrangements for you. We automatically provide an escort for you the first few days as a new patient, until you are comfortable driving to the center on your own.
Another option is to carpool with other patients to save on gas and border
tolls.
Airports
Many of our patients are from out of state and choose to fly instead of drive to Texas. If you do fly and end up renting a car for local transportation, many rental companies will not allow their cars to cross the border or will charge astronomical insurance prices in order to do so. If this is your situation, let us know and we’ll arrange for a staff member to drive you across the border.
Convenient airport options are:
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Del Rio International Airport
Offers flights with:
Arrivals: 4:12 pm and 11:00 pm
Departures: 6:15 am and 4:30 pm
To book a flight, contact Continental Airlines:
(800) 523-FARE
For specific airport questions, contact:
Jack Richardson
(830) 774-8538
http://cityofdelrio.com/index.asp?NID=58
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San Antonio International Airport
Offers flights on most major airlines. Located 150 miles from Hope.
To book a flight, contact your airline of choice.
For specific airport questions, visit:
Border Crossing
IMPORTANT: Do NOT attempt to cross the border with firearms or ammunition of any kind. You will be arrested by the Mexican government and detained indefinitely.
· Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry into the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Drivers License, NEXUS Card, SENTRI Card, or FAST/EXPRES Card.
U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16 may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card, or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy. The same requirements apply for citizens under the age of 19 who are traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group.
Methods of Identification:
· U.S. Passport
Cost: $100 (age 16 & older)
$85 (under age 16)
Validity: 10 years (adults)
5 years (under age 16)
Issued by: U.S. Department of State
Place of application: Post Office
Info: www.travel.state.gov
· U.S. Passport Card
Cost : $45 (age 16 and older)
$35 (under age 16)
$20 (for U.S. Passport holders)
Validity: 10 years (adults)
5 year (under age 16)
Limitations: Not valid for international air travel
Issued by: U.S. Department of State
Info: www.travel.state.gov
· Enhanced Driver's License
Cost: $15-$30 additional charge to driver's license fee
Validity: varies by state
Limitations: not valid for international air travel
Issued by: state of residence
Info: visit Web site for your state government
· Trusted Traveler Programs
NEXUS Card
SENTRI Card
FAST/EXPRES Card
Cost: $50-$122.25
Validity: 5 years
Issued by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Info: www.CBP.gov
For further information, including additional document options and requirements for special audiences, please visit www.GetYouHome.gov.
Information courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
· If you are unsure whether an item is acceptable to bring across the border, call the Mexican Consulate at (830) 775-2352 before you attempt to cross the border.
Bridge Crossing:
Do not bring your prescription drugs in to Mexico or back from Mexico without the appropriate prescription.
As of 2019, there is a $4.00 toll fee to cross into Mexico, and a $1.50 toll fee to cross back into Texas.
· Follow signs carefully as you approach the Mexico Customers to select the correct lane.
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Right lane is for commercial vehicles
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Middle lane is for those carrying only personal items. Watch the cars in front of you. You will pull up to barrier gate and there will be a light. If you get a GREEN light you do not need to go the inspection area to the left. There will be a path where you just drive through. If you receive a RED light, don't panic, this is a random selection, simply go to the inspection area and they may look in your vehicle. They will usually have a person there that speaks some English, but its always good to know...
English: I am a patient at Hope Center
Spanish: Soy un paciente en el Centro Esperanza
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Left lane is for vehicles that have items to be declared like if you are taking over a gift for the orphanage or something. As of 2010, each person in the vehicle is entitled to bring $50 worth of merchandise into Mexico provided receipt is presented for merchandise. You may be free to pass or you may be charged 10%-20% duty fees on the item.
The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce advises to take the left lane when in doubt.
Entering the middle lane is the equivalent to swearing an oath to the Mexican government that you have no merchandise to declare. If you are found with merchandise:
1. You will be questioned and may be free to pass.
2. You may be charged a duty fee of about 10% to 20% of
the value of the merchandise - need to have receipts.
3. They have the right to seize your vehicle which some
insurance companies may view as theft.
4. You could go to jail for failure to declare.
· For more information on crossing the border, visit the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce at http://www.drchamber.com/play/xborder.html.
What can I bring back to America?
MAKE SURE YOU RECEIVED A WRITTEN PRESCRIPTION FOR ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION YOU BRING INTO
THE UNITED STATES FROM MEXICO.
As of 2010, each person in the vehicle can bring $800 of merchandise without duty fees. For information on what you can bring back across the border into the U.S., visit Trip Advisor at http://www.tripadvisor.com/
Travel-g150768-s602/Mexico:Crossing.The.Border.html or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/alerts/cbp_reqs_mexico.xml.
Is Acuña Safe?
As when traveling to any foreign country or for that matter any large U.S. city, there are precautions one should always take and things you don't do.
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Don't wear expensive, flashy jewelry or clothes.
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Don't drive around in a flashy, expensive, new cars.
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Don't go into areas you do not know.
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Don't travel at night.
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Don't honk your horn if traffic is stalled.
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Don't talk to strangers.
In the fifteen years that we have been treating countless patients and with our staff traveling back and forth everyday, none of our patients or staff have ever had any incidences.
Even with the tremendous amount of violence involving towns bordering California, Arizona and Texas, to date, Acuña has not been subject to the type violence that has been reported in Tijuana, Juarez or even Nuevo Laredo. A few years ago, Acuña was the recipient of a cost share program with the state of Coahula, so what you will see is a lot of sidewalks being built, streets being paved and even store clerks sweeping the streets. You will see children attending school and very few if any old or young beggars on the street. One visitor's comment was "I've seen many more homeless beggars in Austin, Texas than I ever have seen in Acuña."
Unlike other border towns that make the news on a regular basis, Acuña is a safe, modern Mexican city with a population of about 160,000. Hope is in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Acuña, situated between a church and an orphanage, in its own compound area.
Lodging
CONDOS
· Hope Condo: Master's Condo #1301
Fort Clark Springs
Brackettville, TX 78832
830-563-2493
Contact Debbie Isaacs, Tejas Properties realtor, 830-563-7272 for availability of the Master’s Condo at Fort Clark Springs. This condo is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo with a kitchen, living area, and elevator access. Amenities include a fully furnished kitchen, including an oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Cable TV and wireless internet access are provided. Sleeping accommodations include 1 full-size bed, 1 queen-size bed, 1 queen-size fold-out sleeper sofa, and one oversized-twin fold-out futon. All bed and bath linens are provided. A community laundry room is located on each floor of the complex. The condo is located in a peaceful setting on a private golf course and has access to covered parking, nature trails, and a spring-fed swimming pool.
TOWNHOMES ~ APARTMENTS ~ RESIDENTIAL HOMES
Capri Temporary Housing, A Division of Ceniza 7 Properties
www.texascorporaterental.com www.capritemporaryhousing.com
Contact: Anna Schelle r830-719-2503
Townhomes, apartments and residential homes available for rent.
Fully furnished. Full kitchen. Rates vary, but are very reasonable.
See website or contact Anna for more information.
HOTELS
Ramada Inn
2101 Veterans Blvd.
Del Rio, TX 78840
830-775-1511
Microwave/refrigerator combo available upon request. Special weekly and monthly rates are available when you mention you’re a patient at Hope. Speak with the manager when calling to make reservations. The Ramada also has a restaurant located in their lobby.
· LaQuinta Inn
2005 Veterans Blvd.
Del Rio, TX 78840
830-775-7591
Microwave/refrigerator combo available upon request. Special weekly and monthly rates are available when you mention you’re a patient at Hope. Speak with the manager when calling to make reservations.
· Regency Inn
3811 Hwy. 90 W
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830) 775-7414
Microwave/refrigerator combo available upon request. Special weekly and monthly rates are available when you mention you’re a patient at Hope. Speak with the manager when calling to make reservations.
· Whispering Palms Inn
1300 Veterans Blvd
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830) 488--6720
Microwave/refrigerator combo available upon request. Low rates. Discounts and complimentary stays to frequent guests. Recently remodeled. All rooms are smoke free. Pets allowed.
RV SITES
Fort Clark Springs
P.O. Box 345
Brackettville, TX 78832
830-563-2493
The RV Park at Fort Clark Springs features 85 sites with full hook-ups, including television and telephone. The park provides bathrooms, showers, a kitchen, and a laundry room. Entertainment opportunities include games, a weekly potluck supper, arts and crafts, art studio, 18-hole golf course, spring-fed swimming, bingo, aerobic classes, hiking and biking trails, and bird watching.
· Amistad National Recreational Area
Physical address:
Visitor Information Center
9685 Hwy 90 West
Del Rio, 78840
Mailing address:
NPS Administration
4121 Hwy 90 West
Del Rio, TX 78840-9350
Visitor information:
(830)775-7491
http://www.nps.gov/amis/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Lake Amistad has four campgrounds with 75 dry hook-ups. All sites feature a covered picnic table and barbecue grill. Fees range from $4 to $8 a night. “Coffee with a Ranger” programs are offered Thursday mornings from January through March. Golden Age/Golden Passport holders are entitled to a 50% discount.
· Lonesome Dove RV Ranch
4832 W Highway 90
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830) 774-1823
http://www.lonesomedovervranch.com
Lonesome Dove RV Ranch offers 54 landscaped sites, complete with modern amenities. Activities include fishing, boating, swimming, horseshoes, and pool.
· Buzzard Roost RV Campground
4411 Veterans Blvd.
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830) 774-5151
Buzzard Roost RV Campground offers 50 RV sites with 30/50 amp service available. Amenities include shaded pull-through sites, RV repair shop, propane station, cable TV, laundry/shower room, western-style saloon, and country/western dancing.
· Holiday Trav-L-Park
HCR 3 Box 40
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830) 775-7275
http://www.holidaytrav-l-park.com/
Holiday Trav-L-Park offers 150 grass/shaded sites, 119 pull through parking sites, 20, 30 and 50 amp service, laundry room, recreation hall and kitchen, free cable, free wireless internet access, clean bath houses, playground, swimming pool, and free coffee and breakfast.
Location: Drive north on Highway 90 West past Wal-Mart approximately 10 miles. The distance from the “Y” in the road is 6.8 miles.
How to pack
Bring casual clothing you will be comfortable relaxing in for a few hours while receiving IV therapy. Refrain from highly fragrance perfumes and lotions as other patients may have chemical sensitivities.
For the current weather forecast for Del Rio, visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov and enter “Del Rio, TX” in the blank on the left-hand side.
Dining
Where are some good places to eat?
In addition to a wide array of chain restaurants, Del Rio dining options include authentic Mexican cuisine at Don Marcelino’s, a taste of Italy at Avanti Italian Restaurant, and local atmosphere at Cripple Creek Restaurant. For a list of restaurants in Del Rio, visit http://www.drchamber.com/play/visitors/restaurants.html.
Taco Grill, is located downtown, right down the main street from Hope. The restaurant features good prices, a Mexican food buffet, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed lemonade in glass goblets. The family-owned restaurant is steeped in authentic atmosphere, from the Spanish tile floor to the thatch ceiling. The waiters speak English, and the restaurant accepts U.S. currency.
For directions to restaurants in Acuña or Del Rio, ask anyone of our staff.
Shopping
How is the shopping?
Hidalgo Street, Acuña’s main tourist location, is renowned as a haven for shoppers and diners. Lining the street for blocks are shops offering jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, and leather goods.
Elizabeth Mitchell, travel writer for About.com, writes, “When shopping in markets or small shops, offer half the marked or quoted price and negotiate from there. It is expected that you will bargain. Be cautious about quality. What may appear to be gold or silver might just disappoint you as soon as you cross back over the border!”
For a slice-of-life article on Acuña’s attractions, visit http://www.southernliving.com/southern/printerfriendly/
Entertainment
What can I do on the weekends?
Del Rio
Along with shopping, dining, a library, a movie theater and museums, Del Rio also features Lake Amistad, one of the largest lakes in Texas. Forty-five miles west of Del Rio, Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site contains some of North America’s oldest rock paintings and pictographs. For more information, visit the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce at http://www.drchamber.com.
Brackettville
Founded in 1852, the town is still referred to as Brackett by its residents (the postal authorities changed the name of the town to Brackettville because a Brackett, Texas, already existed). Its attractions include Fort Clark Springs, The Kinney County Museum, The Seminole Indian Scout Cemetery, and Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
The Alamo, released in 1960 and starring John Wayne as Col. Davy Crockett, was filmed in Brackettville. To learn about visiting the Alamo replica used in filming, click on http://www.thealamofilm.com/alamo-village-bracketville.shtml
For more information on attractions in Brackettville, visit http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasHillCountryTowns/
BrackettvilleTexas/BrackettvilleTx.htm
Kerrville
Considered paradise in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville has activities for every season. Attractions include a family sports center, movie theater, and several parks along the Guadalupe River featuring swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking. Visit the chamber’s site at http://www.kerrvilletx.com for more information.
A 90-minute drive southwest of Kerrville takes you to the only maple forest in Texas, Lost Maples State Natural Area. For more information about this attraction praised as one of the most beautiful sites in Texas, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/
Junction
Located on the western edge of the Texas Hill Country, Junction has ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, birding, canoeing, and kayaking. Nearby is the South Llano River State Park. For more information, visit the Kimble County Chamber of Commerce at http://www.junctiontexas.net.
