BC seniors needlessly paying hundreds in MSP premiums
Posted January 4, 2016 10:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There are quite a few seniors in BC who may be able to avoid the Medical Services Plan premiums increase that came in with the New Year.
According to her calculations, the province’s senior’s advocate says nearly half of those 65 years and older could be eligible for a sizable MSP premium subsidy, but only about 30 per cent are actually making use of it.
With the January 1 increase, an individual will pay $900 per year while a couple will pay over $1,600.
Isobel Mackenzie wants more seniors to know, with a $30,000 a year net income or less, they apply for the cost break and those who make less could be paying nothing at all.
“At a net income of $22,000 or less, you pay no MSP premium. If you’re a couple, and you’re combined net income is $39,000 or less, you will also qualify for up to full subsidies,” Mackenzie said.
“There is no harm in seeing if you qualify, its net income, line 235 of your income tax return. You can fill out the form, you can go online, you can also call my office at 1-877-952-3182 and staff will help people navigate through the system.”
When asked for her insight into why more seniors are not being made aware of the subsidy, Mackenzie said there is no concentrated effort or method to deliver that information to people who are 65 years old or older.
She said the government is also concerned that people are unaware of this and they’re also wondering what the best way to do this is.
