By Goat Staff
People in B.C. will receive their last bill for Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums in December 2019.
B.C. was one of the last provinces in Canada to have user premiums for public health care. Individuals will save up to $900 a year. Families will save up to $1,800 a year.
MSP beneficiaries who have auto-payments through their financial institution are reminded to cancel that arrangement to ensure payments to the Province do not continue. They are also reminded to keep their accounts up-to-date with MSP, including address changes.
Eliminating MSP premiums was a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party Caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
“The cost of health care should not be a burden on people, but for too long, unfair MSP premiums made it hard to get ahead,” said Premier John Horgan. “Our government is making different choices”
Horgan said it represents one of the largest middle-class tax cuts in B.C.’s history.
As of Jan. 1, 2020, MSP premiums will be fully eliminated. Government cut premiums by 50% in 2017.
The elimination of MSP premiums represents a net tax cut of $800 million.The Province will save over $50 million annually in fewer administrative costs.
“The people of our province should be able to access British Columbia’s world-class health care system without having to worry whether or not they can pay their MSP premium,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “With this last bill, people will continue to receive the health care they deserve, while enjoying their savings as a result of the MSP premiums being eliminated.”
