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South Okanagan Photos

Seniors to benefit from MSP – new rules

Medical Services Plan premium assistance to benefit seniors

OLIVER – More people than ever qualify for assistance with Medical Services Plan premiums next year and it’s important to remind seniors to ensure they are eligible, Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said today.

A recent survey by B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie showed just 39 per cent of seniors knew about MSP premium assistance and 66 per cent pay full premiums when the number should be fewer than 50 per cent.

“MSP premium assistance can make a big difference for many of our loved ones – our parents or grandparents,” Larson said. “Thanks to the work of our province’s seniors advocate, we know that many seniors who could be receiving help with the premiums have not applied.”

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 Larson’s constituency office at 6369 Main St. in Oliver, phone 250-498-5122 or toll-free 1-855-498-5122.

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.

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.