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What is the difference between MSP and fair pharmacare?

andrew999929

Star Member
Jul 30, 2018
72
1
I am a new pr. I applied for a msp. Still waiting for the health card. I wasn’t aware of the MSP Premiums that I have to pay every month for this msp. My question is how much is the monthly charge? Also I was told that msp doesn’t cover medicine, only covers hospital visits and dental , so I was told to apply for fair pharmacare? How do I apply for that and does that cost money too?

Thank yoU
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,969
12,771
Have you looked at the MSP website? Lots of the info is contained on the site. Dental being covered did make me laugh... unfortunately not for most people. Unless you are low income or disabled you will have to pay for RX medications as well. Premiums are based on income. Extended health benefits through employers are used to cover things like dental, RX meds, glasses, etc.

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

YVR123

VIP Member
Jul 27, 2017
6,529
2,495
They will need your last year's NOA to apply for Pharmacare.
Back then, my husband just became PR and didn't have any income in the previous year. They keep asking for his previous year NOA. So I caved in and file a tax return so that we can show no income for his previous year.
NOT that I want any coverage with pharmacare.... We won't qualify for anything via pharmacare anyway with our combined income... but they insisted on us filling in all the info.
 

YVR123

VIP Member
Jul 27, 2017
6,529
2,495
Just to give you some idea on the payment.
This is the monthly rate without premium assistance. Once you have a job, the HR/employer deducts it from your pay cheques and pays to the MSP.

Family of 1 adult $37.50
Family of 2 adults $75.00

And there is no premiums for children.
The Regular Premium Assistance program remains in place, providing financial assistance to those with an annual adjusted net income of $42,000 or less. Families with an annual adjusted net income of $26,000 or less will pay no MSP premiums at all.
 

andrew999929

Star Member
Jul 30, 2018
72
1
Let me get this straight, if I have a job, I won’t be needing to pay the monthly MSP premiums by myself , my employer will be paying them ??
 

EstherBarros

Hero Member
Aug 18, 2014
616
143
BC- Canada
Visa Office......
Ottawa
App. Filed.......
17-11-2014
Doc's Request.
02-07-2015
AOR Received.
03-02-2015
File Transfer...
14-02-2015
Med's Done....
23-09-2014
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waived
Passport Req..
07-08-2015
VISA ISSUED...
19-08-2015
LANDED..........
22-08-2015
No. You are paying it via your employer.

It's deducted on my pay cheque every month.
Actually, an employer MIGHT pay MSP in your stead, or not.
My employer, for instance, does not. I have a salaried full-time job with full benefits.

It really depends on the employer!
 
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canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,558
7,196
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
Let me get this straight, if I have a job, I won’t be needing to pay the monthly MSP premiums by myself , my employer will be paying them ??
As said, depends entirely on the employer. These days, most don't pay any of it, some will pay a portion and some pay it all.