MSP Task Force to advise on eliminating premiums
The Province has established a task force of experts to advise the government on eliminating Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums within four years, Finance Minister Carole James announced on November 2, 2017.
The MSP Task Force will examine the best approach to replacing the revenue from eliminating MSP premiums. Its final report is due to government by March 31, 2018. The task force’s work will include an opportunity for British Columbians, businesses, academics and other stakeholders to express their views.
People are encouraged to bring their ideas to this consultation process at the online MSP Taskforce page.
Prof. Lindsay Tedds has been appointed as chair of the task force. Tedds is an associate professor in the school of public administration at the University of Victoria. She is a renowned expert in applied economic research and policy analysis, with a particular focus on the design and implementation of tax policy. Paul Ramsey and Prof. David Duff join Tedds on the task force.
The Budget 2017 Update announced the government’s plans to cut MSP premiums by 50%, effective Jan. 1, 2018. This reduction will save individuals up to $450 per year, and families up to $900 per year. The budget update also raised the income threshold below which households are fully exempt from MSP premiums by $2,000.
This means senior couples with a net income up to $35,000 will pay no premiums in 2018. Single parents with two children and a net income up to $32,000 will pay no premiums.
Resource
- For more about the MSP Task Force and to submit your ideas at the online MSP Taskforce page.
BACKGROUNDER: MSP Task Force Terms of Reference
The Government of British Columbia is committed to eliminating Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums within four years. As a first step, the government has reduced MSP premiums for all individuals and families by 50%, effective Jan. 1, 2018.
MSP premiums are regressive, expensive to administer, impose a compliance burden on individuals, families and businesses, and lead to significant bad debt expenses for government.
Therefore, the Minister of Finance is establishing an MSP Task Force to advise the Province on how best to complete the elimination of MSP premiums and replace the foregone revenue from premiums.
Scope
The Task Force’s work will include:
- An opportunity for B.C. citizens, businesses and interested parties to express their views on replacing MSP premiums;
- Identification of options for replacing MSP revenue, including what has been done in other provinces;
- An analysis of options with respect to:
- fairness;
- efficiency;
- business competitiveness;
- simplicity; and
- revenue stability.
The options put forward must result in a more progressive tax system and eliminate MSP premiums within four years. The options may not propose retaining MSP premiums, nor increasing the provincial sales tax.
Deliverable
The Task Force will provide the Minister of Finance a written report that includes:
- Identification and analysis of issues within the context of the scope of the Task Force;
- Identification of all options considered;
- An evaluation of those options including their impacts on:
- British Columbians;
- businesses;
- tax policy principles; and
- provincial revenues and costs.
- Recommendations on the best options for replacing MSP premium revenue;
- Recommendations on a strategy and timing to implement recommended options; and
- A summary of the public consultations including issues raised and solutions put forward for the Task Force’s consideration.
Timeline
The Minister of Finance must receive a final report by March 31, 2018.
Secretariat and Ministry Support
- Any costs such as secretariat support, meeting space, advertising, etc., associated with the Task Force will be the responsibility of the Province.
- The Province will be responsible to provide the appropriate resources that in the Task Force’s judgement are required to fulfil its purposes. This may include:
- Economic modelling expertise;
- Policy and legislation expertise;
- Legal and accounting tax expertise; and
- Technological support (i.e., website, email, social media).
Related
- Legislation introduced to eliminate MSP premiums
- Province reviews MSP Task Force’s final report
- Auditor reports shows ministries not working together on healthy living, K-12
- Opinion: Property tax hikes from MSP premium increases changes unnecessary
- MSP cut kicks off the new year right for British Columbians
- MSP Task Force to advise on eliminating premiums
- BC Budget: MSP premiums reduced by 50% for two million British Columbians
- Opinion: Government finally delivers on MSP tax cut
- Op Ed: Now or Never for Clark on MSP Tax
- MSP to stop billing for children in 2017
- Medical Services Plan premium assistance: Do you qualify?
- Petition calls for Christy Clark to abolish MSP premiums in BC
- Reality Check: Christy Clark’s economic model makes families earn less and pay much, much more
- Abolish MSP Premiums petition sees rapid growth
- Provincial increases in costs of living balanced by federal tax cuts
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