Tax Rates/Credits -> BC Tax -> BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) -> BC MSP Rates 2017
BC MSP Rates 2017
As per a September 15, 2016 announcement, the planned 4% MSP increase for 2017 is cancelled. Also, the rates for premium assistance have been reduced from what was originally announced in the BC 2016 Budget. As per the 2016 Budget, children will be exempt from MSP premiums, but the rate for a couple will increase. The increase including the September 2016 revision will be 10.3%, from $1,632 per year in 2016 to $1,800 per year, based on 2x the single person rate. Rates are based on adjusted net income. Premium assistance will also be enhanced effective January 1, 2017, to provide assistance to many more people, by increasing the income thresholds.
You must apply to get the premium assistance - this is not done automatically based on the income reported on your tax return. Unfortunately, this is not well known, and many people are not getting the premium assistance they need. In 2017, a senior couple with up to $48,000 of income is eligible for premium assistance, as $3,000 is deducted from income for each senior to arrive at adjusted net income. There are also deductions for disabilities, children, and UCCB income. If you have friends, relatives or neighbours who you think may be eligible for premium assistance, please let them know that they have to apply for it.
BC Medical Services Plan Annual Premiums 2017
| Adjusted
Net Income (individual or couple) |
% of Full Premium |
One Adult |
Couple |
| first $24,000 | 0% | no premium | no premium |
| over $24,000 up to $26,000 | 14.7% | $132 | $264 |
| over $26,000 up to $28,000 | 30.7% | 276 | 552 |
| over $28,000 up to $30,000 | 46.7% | 420 | 840 |
| over $30,000 up to $34,000 | 61.3% | 552 | 1,104 |
| over $34,000 up to $38,000 | 74.7% | 672 | 1,344 |
| over $38,000 up to $42,000 | 86.7% | 780 | 1,560 |
| over $42,000 | 100% | 900 | 1,800 |
| Maximum monthly rate (100%) - single/couple | $75 | $150 | |
| Increase from prior year | 0% | 10.3% | |
BC Medical Services Plan Monthly Premiums 2017
| Adjusted
Net Income (individual or couple) |
One Adult |
Couple |
| first $24,000 | no premium | no premium |
| over $24,000 up to $26,000 | $11 | $22 |
| over $26,000 up to $28,000 | 23 | 46 |
| over $28,000 up to $30,000 | 35 | 70 |
| over $30,000 up to $34,000 | 46 | 92 |
| over $34,000 up to $38,000 | 56 | 112 |
| over $38,000 up to $42,000 | 65 | 130 |
| over $42,000 | 75 | 150 |
Revised: October 26, 2023