The British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) stands as the cornerstone of healthcare for eligible residents of the province. Established as a publicly administered health insurance program, BC MSP ensures that individuals can access necessary medical services without prohibitive costs. Knowing the BC MSP's details is essential for accessing the healthcare system in British Columbia and providing access to the care you need.

This guide goes into the details of the BC MSP, covering eligibility, enrollment, benefits, supplementary programs, payment of premiums, and essential considerations for residents.

Foundation of Healthcare in British Columbia

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In Canada, the principle of universal healthcare states that eligible residents should have access to essential medical services funded by the public system. British Columbia realizes this commitment through the BC MSP. The Ministry of Health outlines that the MSP primarily covers the "medically required services of physicians and surgeons, and dental or oral surgery performed in a hospital." This foundational coverage ensures that basic healthcare needs are met for those who call BC home.

Administered by Health Insurance BC (HIBC) on behalf of the Ministry of Health, the MSP acts as the primary payer for various medical services. Residents enrolled in the MSP receive a Personal Health Number (PHN), their unique identifier within the healthcare system. This number is important for accessing medical services and for billing purposes. HIBC is the central point of contact for inquiries related to MSP coverage, enrollment, and general information.

The Enrollment Process for BC MSP

Enrolling in the MSP is a requirement for all eligible British Columbia residents. The application process varies depending on individual circumstances, particularly for those new to the province or Canada.

New Residents

Individuals moving to British Columbia from another province or outside Canada are advised to apply for MSP as soon as they establish residency. It's important to note that a waiting period may apply before coverage commences. Coverage begins three months after their arrival date in BC for those outside Canada.

Securing private health insurance to cover immediate medical needs is strongly recommended during this waiting period. Individuals moving from another Canadian province should maintain coverage with their previous provincial health plan until their BC MSP coverage begins.

B.C. Services Card

The primary method for completing MSP enrollment and receiving your Personal Health Number (PHN) involves obtaining a BC Services Card. Most adults (18 years and six months or older) must visit an ICBC driver licensing office to complete this process. Appointments can be booked online, or walk-in services are available.

At the ICBC office, applicants must provide primary and secondary identification documents, declare their residency in BC, and have their photo taken. Individuals under 18 years and six months of age and those with temporary immigration documents will automatically receive a Non-Photo BC Services Card by mail from HIBC.

Online and Paper Applications

Individuals can apply for BC MSP coverage, Supplemental Benefits, and Fair PharmaCare using the B.C. Application for Health and Drug Coverage. This application can be completed online or submitted as a paper form. Once BC MSP enrollment is finalized, Supplementary Benefits and Fair PharmaCare applications will be processed.

Group Plans

If your BC MSP coverage will be provided through a group plan, such as one offered by an employer, union, or pension plan, it is important to understand that the application process may differ from individual enrollment. In these cases, you should contact your group administrator directly to receive detailed instructions on how to apply and ensure your coverage is set up correctly.

Renewals

Existing BC MSP beneficiaries who receive a renewal letter for their BC Services Card do not need to submit a new BC MSP enrollment application. They only need to follow the instructions provided in the letter to renew their card.

Eligibility for BC MSP Coverage

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To be eligible for medical coverage under the BC MSP, an individual must meet specific residency criteria defined by the Medicare Protection Act. A resident is someone who:

  • Is a Canadian citizen or lawfully admitted to Canada for permanent residence,
  • Makes their home in British Columbia, and
  • Is physically present in British Columbia for at least six months in a calendar year.

Specific Circumstances Affecting Eligibility

Understanding the general eligibility requirements for the BC MSP is the first step, but various specific circumstances can influence an individual's or their family members' access to coverage. These specific circumstances include:

Absences from BC

Eligible BC residents who are temporarily outside the province for vacation purposes can be absent for a total of up to seven months in a calendar year without affecting their BC MSP eligibility.

Dependents

Dependents of BC MSP beneficiaries, including spouses, children, and dependent post-secondary students, are also eligible for coverage if they meet the aforementioned residency requirements.

  • Spouse: A resident of BC who is legally married to or cohabiting in a marriage-like relationship with the applicant.
  • Child: A resident of BC who is a minor, unmarried, and financially supported by the beneficiary.
  • Dependent Post-Secondary Student: A resident of BC between 18 and 24 years of age, in full-time attendance at a recognized post-secondary institution, and financially supported by their parent or guardian who is an MSP beneficiary.

Applications for Permanent Resident Status

In some instances, the spouse or child of an eligible BC resident may be deemed a resident if an application for permanent residence has been submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the associated fees have been paid.

First Nations Residents

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) enrolls and administers MSP to Status Indians who are residents of BC (excluding those receiving health benefits through self-government agreements). Eligible BC First Nations individuals already receiving health benefits through Health Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits program should already be enrolled.

Study and Work Permit Holders

Certain individuals holding valid Canadian study permits or work permits under Working Holiday Visa programs (valid for six months or more) issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act may be deemed residents for MSP purposes. Individuals with maintained status while awaiting subsequent permits may also be eligible for temporary coverage.

Children Born to Refugee Claimants

Newborns in British Columbia whose parents are refugee claimants covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) may be eligible for BC MSP coverage starting from the day they are born. This ensures that the child receives access to essential medical services right from birth, even if their parents are not yet enrolled in BC MSP.

Canadian Armed Forces Members

While Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are not eligible for MSP coverage, their spouses and children are eligible if they are BC residents. Families with CAF members should apply together.

Individuals Arriving Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

A waiver of the standard waiting period is in place for eligible returning Canadians, permanent residents, and deemed residents arriving from Ukraine under the CUAET. BC MSP enrollment and coverage are generally available upon arrival. Furthermore, the costs of required medical tests for CUAET holders enrolled in BC MSP are now covered.

BC MSP Benefits

The BC MSP covers a range of medically necessary services. However, it's essential to understand the scope of these benefits and the services that are not included.

Services Covered by MSP

Services covered by this BC MSP include the following.

  • Medically required services physicians and surgeons provide, including general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, and medically necessary treatments and procedures,
  • Diagnostic services, such as X-rays and laboratory tests, are ordered by a physician,
  • Hospital services, including accommodation, meals, nursing care, and necessary diagnostic and therapeutic services received in a public hospital,
  • Dental or oral surgery performed in a hospital when medically required,
  • Maternity care, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care,
  • Certain orthodontic services are available for children with severe congenital facial abnormalities,
  • Limited coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, non-surgical podiatry, and acupuncture through Supplementary Benefits (subject to eligibility and annual limits),
  • Medically required eye examinations for all MSP beneficiaries (e.g., due to eye disease, injury, or associated with certain health conditions). Routine eye exams are covered only for those 18 and under and 65 years and over, and
  • Surgical podiatry services (though additional fees may apply if the podiatrist has opted out of BC MSP).

Services Not Covered by MSP

Services not covered by the BC MSP include the following.

  • Dental care (except for specific oral surgeries performed in a hospital).
  • Routine eye examinations for adults between 19 and 64 years of age.
  • Prescription medications (coverage is available through the Fair PharmaCare program for eligible residents).
  • Services provided by practitioners who have opted out of the BC MSP and charge fees above the MSP payment schedule (patients must be informed of these additional charges beforehand).
  • Cosmetic procedures,
  • Alternative therapies not explicitly listed under Supplementary Benefits, and
  • Services received outside of BC that have not been pre-approved or do not meet specific emergency criteria.

Paying For BC MSP Premiums

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While the core medical services under MSP are publicly funded, historically, British Columbia residents were required to pay monthly premiums. However, as of January 1, 2020, the payment of MSP premiums for BC residents was eliminated. This significant change aimed to reduce the financial burden on individuals and families.

Despite eliminating regular premiums, residents are still responsible for paying any outstanding MSP premiums billed before January 1, 2020. Several payment methods are available for settling these exceptional balances:

Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD)

Residents with outstanding balances can arrange pre-authorized debit payments by contacting Revenue Services of British Columbia (RSBC) to discuss a payment arrangement and then submitting a completed PAD application form with a void cheque.

Through Your Bank or Financial Institution

Most Canadian banks offer bill payment services through online banking, ATMs, and telephone banking. "MSP-RSBC" needs to be added as a payee, using the BC MSP account number found on the invoice to pay BC MSP premiums.

Online Using Your Credit Card

Payments can be made online through the RSBC website or by calling 1-877-405-4909, using Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Debit Mastercard, or Visa Debit. The BC MSP account number is required.

At a Government Office

In-person payments can be made at a Service BC Centre using cash, debit, credit card, cheque, bank draft, or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. The BC MSP account number is necessary.

By Mail

Cheques, bank drafts, or money orders (no cash) payable to the Minister of Finance can be mailed to the BC MSP, PO Box 9085 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria BC V8W 9E4. The BC MSP account number should be written on the payment. Residents can view their account balance and pay outstanding premiums online through the Billing and Payment Services portal. A 30.00 CAD fee is charged for any dishonoured payments.

Retroactive Premium Assistance

While current premiums have been eliminated, the Retroactive Premium Assistance program provides a mechanism for eligible residents to receive financial adjustments for BC MSP premiums billed in the past. Eligibility is based on the account holder's annual net income (and their spouse's, if applicable) for a given tax year, considering deductions for age, family size, disability, and specific benefit income.

This calculation results in an "adjusted net income." Retroactive Premium Assistance may be available for self-administered accounts for up to six years before the current year and for group accounts for up to five years.

Applying for Retroactive Premium Assistance

Applications for Retroactive Premium Assistance can be submitted online. The process takes around 15 minutes. Applicants will need their Notices of Assessment or Reassessment from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) for the relevant tax years (up to six previous years) and their Personal Health Number and Social Insurance Number (SIN) and their spouse's, if applicable).

If claiming retroactive deductions for child care expenses, Universal Child Care Benefit, or Registered Disability Savings Plan income, the submitted Notices of Assessment or Reassessment must include these deductions.

FAQs

What is a Personal Health Number?

Every resident of BC enrolled in the MSP receives a unique lifetime identifier for healthcare called a Personal Health Number (PHN). This number remains constant throughout an individual's life, regardless of any changes in personal status. The PHN is printed on the BC Services Card, and residents are advised always to carry their card and present it when seeking healthcare services.

How Can I Protect Against BC MSP Fraud?

The Medicare Protection Act strictly prohibits using another person's PHN or knowingly allowing one's own PHN to be used by someone else. These actions are considered offenses. To safeguard the integrity of BC's healthcare plans for eligible residents, the Ministry of Health actively investigates potential misuse of BC Services Card and CareCards through its Eligibility, Compliance and Enforcement Unit.