B.C.’s seniors are being urged to check their eligibility for a subsidy that would cover all or a part of their MSP premiums.
“Some seniors are paying $900 per year for their MSP and many may qualify for a full or partial subsidy of this amount,” stated Isobel Mackenzie, B.C.’s seniors advocate in a Jan. 4 media release.
“Seniors have one of the lowest median incomes and would likely benefit the most from MSP Premium Assistance, however many are not aware that they qualify.”
The problem of seniors not being aware of the subsidies was highlighted in a 2015 report called Bridging the Gaps, which randomly surveyed seniors across B.C.
Paradoxically, awareness was lowest amongst those who would most likely qualify – seniors with household incomes under $30,000.
“We must do all that we can to ensure that seniors are aware of, and accessing the assistance they are eligible for,” said Mackenzie.
To learn more about premium assistance call 1-877-952-3181.
