Seniors are being urged to make sure they are eligible for assistance with Medical Services Plan premiums.
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.
“Many of our seniors don’t have a lot of disposable income, so this assistance will give them some financial relief,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
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 Kyllo’s constituency office at 202A 371 Alexander St. NE, Salmon Arm, phone 250-833-7414, or toll-free 1-877-771-7557.
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.