The B.C. New Democrats are calling for an end to Medical Services Plan premiums, accusing the Liberal government of tinkering with them instead. More than 500,000 families in the province will see one of the largest ever hikes in the health premiums on Jan. 1, according to NDP leader John Horgan. “Medical premiums are an unfair tax on an already struggling middle class,” Horgan stated in a press release. “Now Christy Clark is sneaking in another 10 per cent increase on half a million families while claiming she is doing the opposite.” While the full premium rate for a single adult will remain at $75 next year, the rate for a couple paying the full shot will climb to $150 on Jan. 1. That will increase the premium by $168 per year, said the NDP. Horgan accused the premier of “targeting seniors and young couples.” “Clark thinks senior couples living on fixed incomes, and young people who are just starting their professional lives don’t deserve a break,” said Horgan. “It’s time we eliminated MSP for good. No more of Christy Clark’s tinkering around the edges.”=======
Effective January 1, 2017
- There are no premiums for children under the age of 19.
- MSP premium rates will be determined by the number of adults on an MSP account (the MSP account holder and, if applicable, a spouse.)
Important Update:
On Sept. 15, 2016, the government of British Columbia announced updates to the previously published 2017 MSP premium and Regular Premium Assistance rates. The planned 4% increase has been cancelled. As a result, the full premium rate for one adult will not increase and will remain at the 2016 rate of $75.
In addition, rates for those receiving Regular Premium Assistance will be reduced by about 4% beyond what was announced with Budget 2016.
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