BC only province that still charges a flat rate health tax

From the BC Health Coalition story,

It’s time for B.C. to Scrap MSP Premiums

http://www.bchealthcoalition.ca/what-you-can-do/scrap-msp-premiums

 

Every month we get calls from people who are being hounded by collection agencies because they can’t afford to keep up with their MSP bills.

Now, the public outcry about B.C.’s unfair MSP premiums is growing. [1]

Use this form to send a message directly to Premier Clark, Health Minister Lake and Finance Minister de Jong right now asking them to scrap the unfair MSP premiums and integrate health care fees into our income tax system.

B.C. is the only province in Canada that still charges a flat rate health tax. In this system, families who make $30,000 annually pay the same rate as families who make over a million dollars annually. [4]

Critics, including the BC Health Coalition, have long argued against the injustice, complexity and bureaucracy added by this additional tax collection system. [5]

If the government hears from enough people who want to see MSP fees eliminated, they’ll have to bring B.C. in line with the rest of the country or suffer the consequences at the ballot box next year.

Send your message to the BC Government now, and help end B.C.’s most regressive tax.

[footnotes refer to sources outlined in the original story – click the links above to access those source]

 

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Kootenay CARP adds:

Remember THERE IS MSP PREMIUM ASSISTANCE available, but YOU MUST REGISTER OR APPLY!!

REGULAR PREMIUM ASSISTANCE: for those with Adjusted Annual Net Income of $30,o00 or less.  Apply at Service BC, online  or by phone.  Be sure to claim any eligible deductions (ie for seniors 65+, children and/or disabled persons on your MSP account).

TEMPORARY PREMIUM ASSISTANCE: for those unable to pay MSP premiums due to a recent unexpected event causing financial hardship (for example: illness, disability or unemployment due to job loss). Apply at Service BC, online  or by phone.

FAIR PHARMCARE:  coverage for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, based on net income.  Most BC residents are covered.  Ask your pharmacist.

 

WEB LINKS:

Premium Assistance

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/premiums

PharmaCare & Fair PharmaCare

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents

 

Or CALL HEALTH INSURANCE BC:

  • Lower Mainland: 604-683-7151
  • Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7100