MSP Premiums

[CanuckNut4Life]

Is anyone else the least bit ticked off at the increase to MSP? Seems like they are jacking it up every year. Now 75 bucks a month as of January. Kind of a piss off when Alberta has basically paid nothing for as long as I can remember. 

[Edlerberry]

inflations and immigrations and aging populations

[ShakyWalton]

12 minutes ago, Edlerberry said:

inflations and immigrations and aging populations

People age ,have inflation and immigrate to other provinces..Its B.C.  we just naturally pay more for everything for having the privilege of living here.

[kazin!]

I see both sides of the coin. At the end of the day it's a $3 increase/month. 

There's a family doc in Toronto that stresses...

"10% of how you feel is what happens to you. 90% is how you deal with it."

[JV77]

I thought health care was free!!

[VanGnome]

My employer pays the premiums for myself and all family members, so I can't really relate. I do think however that it's high time for the Federal Government to step it up and improve the burden the Provinces have to bear when it comes to the health care crisis. In no way shape or form should that burden be directly passed off to the common man... tax increases and an enlarged transfer from the Federal to Provincial Governments for health care, I can stomach. Having to shell out almost 150 bucks a month for my family and myself (if It weren't covered through work) would be out of the question.

Back in Manitoba, health care there is also free, like it is in Alberta.

If this thread had come out 2 months ago I probably would have complained about the terrible state of hospital ERs, however last month when I admitted myself after a car accident, I was pretty surprised. From intake to walking out the door... 2-3 hours. Usually you'd be WAITING for 2-3 before even seeing anyone.

The Province of BC has been milking the MSP for far too long.

[ShakyWalton]

1 hour ago, kazin! said:

I see both sides of the coin. At the end of the day it's a $3 increase/month. 

There's a family doc in Toronto that stresses...

"10% of how you feel is what happens to you. 90% is how you deal with it."

The BC Liberals, who are fond of boasting about BC's low taxes have announced a 4 percent increase in medical services premiums in a country where two thirds of the provinces do not have medical services premiums. If you have a family of three and you have a net income over the enormous amount of 30 grand a year, you or your employer has earned the right to send the government of BC $1800 a year.

[Winter Soldier]

Paying the MSP is one of those BC things I will never understand.

Also provincial sales tax.

[johngould21]

When I retired in '08, my MSP per month was $99 for my wife and I. It hit $136 this year. Lowest taxes but highest fees in the Country by far.

 

[AppleJack]

I don't have to pay anything because I am  poor and got a letter from the government saying my medical was subsidized!  the amount I have been to the ER, specialists, doctors, blood labs in the past two months since we lost the baby might change things though? they might just charge me next year even if I am still poor because I am using the health care system a lot. I hope not we can't afford that.  The cost of medications without extended medical makes me wanna cry. I had three courses of antibotics now and they will have to start me on a fourth because I keep developing allergies to them before the course is up. Meanwhile it's like $40 a pop for these things and I am also on a lot of other things. In early october I was super healthy too it just goes to show you how fast your health can turn in a instant. Our system isn't perfect but at least it's there and it's not as expensive or as corrupt is in the states. I have friends who don't go see their doctors even for serious stuff cause it costs a lot for just one appointment. It makes me feel lucky to live here. I'd hate to see the cost of my care if I lived in the states.

[surtur]

I have it paid through work but I remember when I was supposed to pay it on my own and between msp and blue Cross for dental it was way to much for the average person to afford Esp if you have a couple kids.

 

[Gurn]

About 20 years ago it was possible to stop paying your msp premiums for a year or two, and if you got hurt they would let you buy back those two years and the msp plan would cover you. My finances sucked back then so I'd let the plan lapse for about a year and a half, then re-apply, after a one month waiting period I"d be back on the plan, having only paid the one month fee, then pay monthly for a few months, let it lapse for about a year, then re-apply.    I do NOT  know if this is still possible- research this to find out if it would work still and for you.

 

[aGENT]

12 hours ago, CanuckNut4Life said:

Is anyone else the least bit ticked off at the increase to MSP? Seems like they are jacking it up every year. Now 75 bucks a month as of January. Kind of a piss off when Alberta has basically paid nothing for as long as I can remember. 

Alberta has had oil money propping them up and their provincial finances with the bottom falling out of the oil industry are not so rosy anymore. Did you not see anything about their recent election and the ruckus over increasing taxes/fees?

You pay MSP in BC because without it, we'd have a far poorer medical system and/or higher taxes elsewhere.

The aging population, not to mention a LARGE portion of people with poor dietary/health habits, increased pollution etc are not going to help either.

[Ryan Strome]

35 minutes ago, J.R. said:

Alberta has had oil money propping them up and their provincial finances with the bottom falling out of the oil industry are not so rosy anymore. Did you not see anything about their recent election and the ruckus over increasing taxes/fees?

You pay MSP in BC because without it, we'd have a far poorer medical system and/or higher taxes elsewhere.

The aging population, not to mention a LARGE portion of people with poor dietary/health habits, increased pollution etc are not going to help either.

Sin tax went up twice here in Alberta under the ndp, and of course a carbon tax(that will do nothing to curb climate change but thats a debate for another time)

But in Alberta we have no msp or pst and its the least crown run province in Canada. Sure Alberta is in a rough time which also affects Ottawa's budget I might add. However the unemployment rate in Alberta is nearly the same as B.C.

Funny thing is Alberta's medical is far better then BC's despite not having msp.

Oddly B.C is one of if not the most resource riched province in Canada and is constantly a basket case with high taxes and high unemployment. And btw B.C has tons of black gold, just no desire to get rich...

[Tre Mac]

We switched healthcare providers at work but Revenue Canada is so flipping slow in updating their records that I have been dinged for the last four months.  On top of that they call my house 3 times a day, as late as 8:45pm, and leave a message like I am some deadbeat on welfare.  Whenever I answer their recording it patches me through but I get put on hold.  I was told this thing will get straighten out on its own.

[Grapefruits]

I wouldn't have an issue if it all went to healthcare. What really pisses me off is their unwillingness to help with job loss. They base your payments on your previous years income, which I get.  You lose your job though they are very unwilling to help.  I was given 6 weeks notice and let go a few years back.  I wasn't able to find a good paying full time job for a while so bills like MSP weren't top on the priority list.  Essential bills (mortgage, food, hydro, etc) were.

Its rather hard to pay a bill when you have no income.  Their response, well you made X amount last year. Great, I make 0 now.  Tried for financial assistance, not an option because I was basically fired.

 

They sure do like to kick you when you're down.  Oh well, that seems to be the way it works when times are tough.  The government makes it tougher.

[Lockout Casualty]

8 hours ago, gurn said:

About 20 years ago it was possible to stop paying your msp premiums for a year or two, and if you got hurt they would let you buy back those two years and the msp plan would cover you. My finances sucked back then so I'd let the plan lapse for about a year and a half, then re-apply, after a one month waiting period I"d be back on the plan, having only paid the one month fee, then pay monthly for a few months, let it lapse for about a year, then re-apply.    I do NOT  know if this is still possible- research this to find out if it would work still and for you.

 

In BC, as long as you have a CareCard, you are covered. You can lapse for years and your coverage will not be affected.

7 hours ago, Ryan Strome said:

Sin tax went up twice here in Alberta under the ndp, and of course a carbon tax(that will do nothing to curb climate change but thats a debate for another time)

But in Alberta we have no msp or pst and its the least crown run province in Canada. Sure Alberta is in a rough time which also affects Ottawa's budget I might add. However the unemployment rate in Alberta is nearly the same as B.C.

Funny thing is Alberta's medical is far better then BC's despite not having msp.

Oddly B.C is one of if not the most resource riched province in Canada and is constantly a basket case with high taxes and high unemployment. And btw B.C has tons of black gold, just no desire to get rich...

Conservative's Alberta was almost as mismanaged as Liberal's (read: conservatives) BC. Big news there. 

NDP really sht the bed electing Dix as leader. Even I couldn't hold my nose. I voted Green. Well, we got the premier we deserve. Just took her two elections in the same election cycle to actually win a seat...

Goddamn Canadian politics are such a sad joke.

21 minutes ago, Grapefruits said:

I wouldn't have an issue if it all went to healthcare. What really pisses me off is their unwillingness to help with job loss. They base your payments on your previous years income, which I get.  You lose your job though they are very unwilling to help.  I was given 6 weeks notice and let go a few years back.  I wasn't able to find a good paying full time job for a while so bills like MSP weren't top on the priority list.  Essential bills (mortgage, food, hydro, etc) were.

Its rather hard to pay a bill when you have no income.  Their response, well you made X amount last year. Great, I make 0 now.  Tried for financial assistance, not an option because I was basically fired.

 

They sure do like to kick you when you're down.  Oh well, that seems to be the way it works when times are tough.  The government makes it tougher.

Our entire society is set up so that the poorest are hit the hardest. Who pays those ridiculous NSF fees? The poor. Who pays late fees? The poor. Whom do fees affect the most? You guessed it, it's the poor. If you live paycheque to paycheque and get sick, say good bye to any stability for the next couple of months while you play catch up paying late fees left and right. Good time to lose some weight, though. Oh hey, you want to borrow some money so you're not hit with late fees? Sorry, your credit isn't good enough. Enjoy paying through the nose (and every other orifice) at MoneyMart.

However, if you're able to fill up your TFSA to the max, you can cost the government billions in revenue and be applauded for not being like those people who spends every penny (on surviving).

I guess people should just work harder. /s

[Ryan Strome]

17 minutes ago, Lockout Casualty said:

In BC, as long as you have a CareCard, you are covered. You can lapse for years and your coverage will not be affected.

Conservative's Alberta was almost as mismanaged as Liberal's (read: conservatives) BC. Big news there. 

NDP really sht the bed electing Dix as leader. Even I couldn't hold my nose. I voted Green. Well, we got the premier we deserve. Just took her two elections in the same election cycle to actually win a seat...

Goddamn Canadian politics are such a sad joke.

Our entire society is set up so that the poorest are hit the hardest. Who pays those ridiculous NSF fees? The poor. Who pays late fees? The poor. Whom do fees affect the most? You guessed it, it's the poor. If you live paycheque to paycheque and get sick, say good bye to any stability for the next couple of months while you play catch up paying late fees left and right. Good time to lose some weight, though. Oh hey, you want to borrow some money so you're not hit with late fees? Sorry, your credit isn't good enough. Enjoy paying through the nose (and every other orifice) at MoneyMart.

However, if you're able to fill up your TFSA to the max, you can cost the government billions in revenue and be applauded for not being like those people who spends every penny (on surviving).

I guess people should just work harder. /s

Game is a blow out. Sure we can talk politics...

I agree CC is a tool I also think Dix is a moron. B.C seriously needs a 3rd(centre party) at this point. The Ndp ruined B.C in the 90's to the point no one trusts them. The BC liberals/so creds have done next to nothing in the last 15 years to grow the economy and create high paying jobs nor have they lowered or done away with taxes.

As for Alberta, sure the last 3 conservative leaders/premiers in Alberta have been morons but actually the pc party of Alberta has had very good leadership in the past. Most notably Lougheed and Klein. Lougheed essentially started Alberta as a energy super power and Klein made Alberta debt free thus allowing more money for so many other things.

Alberta has very low taxes, no msp or pst and has far more highways then B.C and much better health care then B.C. It was the pc party of Alberta that kept taxes low and grew the province. You don't always need taxes in most cases given to the higher earners to have a strong stable province.

[Lockout Casualty]

1 minute ago, Ryan Strome said:

Game is a blow out. Sure we can talk politics...

I agree CC is a tool I also think Dix is a moron. B.C seriously needs a 3rd(centre party) at this point. The Ndp ruined B.C in the 90's to the point no one trusts them. The BC liberals/so creds have done next to nothing in the last 15 years to grow the economy and create high paying jobs nor have they lowered or done away with taxes.

As for Alberta, sure the last 3 conservative leaders/premiers in Alberta have been morons but actually the pc party of Alberta has had very good leadership in the past. Most notably Lougheed and Klein. Lougheed essentially started Alberta as a energy super power and Klein made Alberta debt free thus allowing more money for so many other things.

Alberta has very low taxes, no msp or pst and has far more highways then B.C and much better health care then B.C. It was the pc party of Alberta that kept taxes low and grew the province. You don't always need taxes in most cases given to the higher earners to have a strong stable province.

I'm sure we could find good leaders in every province if we go back far enough. I'm not well versed in Albertan politics, so this won't be much of a discussion. I will say that it's too bad his Heritage fund was never utilized to its full potential. My memory is rusty, but wasn't Alberta supposed to get more than twice the revenue from the oil than it did? Meh.

Surely even you can recognize that the province would have been better off today if on top of its resources, it had moderate taxes to keep stability during tough times, and perhaps a heritage fund to pour those resource revenues into that actually worked? Alberta could easily be as attractive as it is today, relative to other provinces, while maintaining much better budgets and planning long term. Instead, the boom was squandered, the province is running deficits (and has been long before the boom ended), and there's little to look forward to with oil hitting new lows. Again. 

It's little wonder NDP got elected in that hotbed of conservatism.

My blood pressure rises every time I think about the BC Liberals, so I will just go back to watching Ascension.

[Ryan Strome]

2 minutes ago, Lockout Casualty said:

I'm sure we could find good leaders in every province if we go back far enough. I'm not well versed in Albertan politics, so this won't be much of a discussion. I will say that it's too bad his Heritage fund was never utilized to its full potential. My memory is rusty, but wasn't Alberta supposed to get more than twice the revenue from the oil than it did? Meh.

Surely even you can recognize that the province would have been better off today if on top of its resources, it had moderate taxes to keep stability during tough times, and perhaps a heritage fund to pour those resource revenues into that actually worked? Alberta could easily be as attractive as it is today, relative to other provinces, while maintaining much better budgets and planning long term. Instead, the boom was squandered, the province is running deficits (and has been long before the boom ended), and there's little to look forward to with oil hitting new lows. Again. 

It's little wonder NDP got elected in that hotbed of conservatism.

My blood pressure rises every time I think about the BC Liberals, so I will just go back to watching Ascension.

Absolutely Alberta could have made better decisions during the highs with regards to saving money, I wouldn't go as far as agreeing with additional taxes. But that politics of all stripes sadly in this Country, throw the money around and keep everyone happy. Remember Ralph bucks? 300$ to every man, woman and child in Alberta. Thats 300$ x 3.3 million. But again Peter Lougheed always maintaned Alberta oil was the people of Alberta's property.

We also have to remember oil is a boom and bust industry always has been around the world. Sure Alberta could have made more of the oil but most Canadians hate the idea of more refineries and pipelines, so take the easy way and sell a sh!t ton to Murica at a reduced cost but still makes Alberta rich.

As for the ndp in Alberta, as you know I don't support them however they are not like traditional ndp. I think they know they have no choice as Alberta is the most free enterprise province in Canada. I will admit thus far Notley has maintained no msp or pst which I like and as far as sin taxes Governments of all stripes raise those as its easy pickens.