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MSP premium assistance to benefit seniors: MLA
More people than ever qualify for assistance with Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums next year and it’s important to remind seniors to ensure they are eligible, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said Feb. 19.
A recent survey by B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie showed just 39% of seniors knew about MSP premium assistance and 66% pay full premiums when the number should be fewer than 50%.
“Many seniors don’t have a lot of disposable income, so this assistance will give them noticeable financial relief,” Bennett said. “Our government is able to invest in priority programs like this one because of our disciplined fiscal planning, which has resulted in four straight balanced budgets.”
A one-time application must be filled out specifically for the premium assistance program. Retroactive assistance may be provided for up to the previous six years.
Anyone needing help with forms can contact Bennett’s constituency office at 100 C Cranbrook St. North, phone 250-417-6022 or toll-free 1-866-417-6022.
Budget 2016 announced changes to MSP and premium assistance effective Jan. 1, 2017, which will help lower-income families, individuals and seniors with the cost of living. The B.C. government is investing an additional $70 million annually to enhance premium assistance. About 335,000 people will see their premiums reduced, and an additional 45,000 people will no longer pay premiums at all in 2017, a B.C. Government Caucus press release related.
As a result of enhancing premium assistance in 2017, a single senior earning up to $45,000 may qualify for reduced premiums. A senior couple earning up to $51,000 may qualify for reduced premiums. This translates into a savings of up to $480 per year for a senior couple and $324 per year for a single senior.
Once the MSP changes from Budget 2016 are implemented Jan. 1, 2017, nearly two million British Columbians will pay no premiums.
The premium assistance program is just one support for lower-income seniors. The recently released 11th edition of the BC Seniors’ Guide provides information on a variety of programs and supports to help seniors in communities throughout B.C.
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