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Newsletter: August 2005
In this issue:
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RECENT CHANGES TO
THE MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN
By Nancy Kee
RECENT CHANGES TO THE MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN MEANS MANY MORE PEOPLE COULD BENEFIT FROM DISCOUNTS
Those in the field say many B.C.citizens are paying too much!
Contact Nancy at Dr. Larry Smith's for more information
Parksville, B.C. Phone: 250-248-6333 email: nankee@shaw.ca
Once again 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. More importantly, many of us meet those requirements.
This information was first published in September, 2003, in our in-house newsletter through our website at www.drlarrysmith.com and then in our local newspaper, The Parksville-Qualicum Beach News and it elicited quite a lot of feedback. However, since then, there have been more changes to the plan.
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 MSP-BC 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, the Medical Services Plan 'delisted' (quit paying for) Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Naturopathic and Podiatry. Most people know about that. However, for those who are on Premium Assistance, MSP will pay (a portion of) a COMBINED TOTAL OF 10 visits these "Supplementary Practitioners" -- chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopaths, podiatrists, physios 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 at 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 MSP 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 MSP 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!) and 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 forms to apply for Premium Assistance are available at our office. You can also access this information and apply on-line 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 3 or more
$0 - $20,000
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
After this information was printed the PQ News in September 2003, Dr. Smith's office received over 150 telephone calls regarding eligibility, forms, and status checks. Some patients advised their office 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 gotten 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. We can usually do this within five minutes and any change of status is usually available on this information system LONG before you would be advised.
For more information please contact:
Nancy Anderson-Kee at Dr. Smith's Chiropractic Office during week-days at 250-248-6333. Or you may email me at nankee@shaw.ca
We invite you to sign up for Dr. Larry's newsletter, which is sent out periodically with interesting new health information. When you click below an email will be generated, and then you simply press "send" on your email software.
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
Phone: (250) 248-6333
Fax: (250) 248-6390
e-mail: info@drlarrysmith.com
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