Newsletter: April 2006

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Changes to Medical Services Plan

CHANGES TO THE MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN MEANS MANY MORE PEOPLE COULD BENEFIT FROM DISCOUNTS

Many B.C.citizens are paying too much!

It has come to our attention that many, many people are unaware of the FULL details regarding the eligibility requirements for the discounted monthly payment plan available through our provincial medical insurance (formerly MSP-BC - now Health Insurance B.C.) More importantly, many of us meet those requirements.

* Also note: If you have children who turn 19 and are NOT enrolled in school full-time, they must now set up their own account with HIBC. They are no longer eligible to be kept on your medical insurance. HIBC will do this automatically, BUT they will bill your child at the full rate UNLESS HE OR SHE APPLIES FOR PREMIUM ASSISTANCE!! It is most often the case that our children, when starting out, do not make over $28,000 (it is more likely that they don't make over $20,000) which makes most of them eligible for a reduced rate or even a 100% discount -- meaning they pay nothing for their insurance.

Please make sure they are aware of this information and get them enrolled if eligible.

This information was first published in September, 2003, in our email newsletter available and also in The PQ. News. However, as of July 2005, there have been more changes to the plan making more people eligible for savings.

The Medical Plan's "Premium Assistance Program"

"Premium Assistance" is the program that allows us to pay a discounted monthly rate (premium) based upon our FAMILY INCOME. Please see the HIBC chart below for the scale. As of July, 2005 your family income has to be less than $28,000 to be eligible for this plan. This is an increase from the previous $24,000.

"Adjusted Net Income" - is the amount upon which the plan bases your eligibility AFTER ALLOWING SOME SIGNIFICANT DEDUCTIONS. And THIS is what most people are NOT aware of. Given these deductions, a couple over the age of 65 could earn up to $37,000 per year and still be eligible for the plan and therefore a cheaper monthly rate (premium). The same applies to a family of four. This amounts to a minimum savings of $260.00 per year (and a much greater savings if your income is less). See the chart below.

Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists, Naturopaths, Podiatrists -- covered by medical or not?

In January, 2002, HIBC 'delisted' (quit paying for) Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Naturopathic and Podiatry. Most people know about that. However, for those who are on Premium Assistance, HIBC will pay (a portion of) a COMBINED TOTAL OF 10 visits to those "Supplementary Practitioners" for each calendar year.

How Do You Know If You Are On The Premium Assistance Plan?

Many people are enrolled in the Premium Assistance Plan and are not even aware of it. After all, if you don't know that there are different rates for different categories, how would you know you are paying a discounted rate and are therefore "exempt"? So check the chart and see what rate you are paying. If you pay at "Full Rate" you are not "EXEMPT" and must pay the fees for these "Supplemental Practitioners' yourself. If you are paying any monthly premium lower than full rate, you are on Premium Assistance and are therefore entitled to have your family's and your visits partially covered by HIBC up to a maximum of 10 visits per year. See chart below.

THE MSP AND CRA CONNECTION

Another important bit of information that a lot of people seem NOT to be aware of is that HIBC verifies your eligibility for the plan every year, once you are enrolled, by checking your tax records through CRA (Revenue Canada). So, take note, if you have NOT filed your taxes by April 30th, for the previous year, not only are you NOT eligible for premium assistance until you do, but if you are already on the plan, YOU LOSE YOUR STATUS. Your monthly premiums go to the full amount (and they WILL eventually bill you!) PLUS you are no longer covered at the chiropractor's (etc.) office. Please NOTE: To retain your "exempt" status (on Premium Assistance) you MUST file your taxes!

FORMS

The form to apply for Premium Assistance may be available at your practitioner's office. It is a simple one-page form and it is available at our office in Parksville. 248-6333. You can also access this form at www.hibc.gov.bc.ca. Their toll free phone number is 1-800-663-7100. (Vancouver: 604-683-7151). Patience must be practiced if phoning.

SCHEDULE FOR MONTHLY PREMIUM RATES - JULY 1, 2005

Adjusted Net Income	Subsidy Level	One Person	Family of Two	Family of Three or More
0-20%	100% premium assistance	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
$20,001 - $22,000	80% premium assistance	$10.80	$19.20	$21.60
$22,001 - $24,000	60% premium assistance	$21.60	$38.40	$43.20
$24,001 - $26,000	40% premium assistance	$32.40	$57.60	$64.80
$26,001 - $28,000	20% premium assistance	$43.20	$76.80	$86.40
Over $28,000 Full Rate $54.00 $96.00 $108.00	Full Rate	$54.00	$96.00	$108.00

After this information was printed in September 2003, our office received over 150 telephone calls regarding eligibility, forms, and status checks. Some patients advised us that not only did they qualify for the full benefit, meaning they are fully subsidized and pay nothing for their medical insurance, but because they had already paid for several months of their premiums, they had received a cheque back from medical! NOTE: If you do NOT know what your status is, any chiropractor's, registered massage therapist's, etc. office can check your status over the phone through an electronic information system. They can usually do this within five minutes -- needing only your Care Card Number and your date of birth -- and any change of status is usually available on this information system LONG before you would be advised.

For more information,please contact: Nancy at Dr. Smith’s during week-days at 250-248-6333. Or you may email me at nankee@shaw.ca

REMINDERS:

1) Come in a pick up a copy of the Chiropractic Consumer's Report: a report that tells us what we need to know before and about choosing a Doctor of Chiropractic.

2) Come in a check out the two new books in our lending library. The sports medicine book that Dr. Larry was invited to contribute a chapter for Inside The Minds: The Art and Science of Sports Medicine and Squandering Billions, a newly published book about the politico/economical disaster known as Health Canada.

3) Do you or someone you know suffer from soft-tissue injury? Tendonitis, carpal-tunnel, bursitis, plantar fasciitis? Many, many of our patients have had amazing results with the Graston Technique^® designed especially for soft-tissue damage and used by many sports teams including the Olympics. Check out the information about GT on our website by clicking here. Call today for a consultation.

4) We are looking for your Chiropractic succcess stories. If you have had success with chiropractic, please come in and give us your testimonial for us to use in our office. We appreciate each and every testimonial!

5) The Fitness Prescription DVD:
The DVD that Dr. Larry has been working on for the past few months is available at the office. Come in and get your copy of "The Fitness Prescription" or email Dr. Larry requesting a copy.

Contact the office:
Dr. Larry Smith D.C., B.P.E.
Chiropractor

P.O. Box 307
255 Island Highway
Parksville, British Columbia
Canada V9P 2G5