BC省国际留学生将享免费医保 耗资每年超一亿元

BC省即将全面资助国际留学生支付医疗保险，预计每年耗资超过一亿元。

省府将会在2020年1月1号完全取消现行的医疗保险供款计划(MSP)之后，为所有在本省居住少于一年的国际留学生提供免费医保，亦将会在明年1月1号起向中型及大型企业征收雇主医疗税(EHT)。

卫生厅发言人Laura Heinze表示，国际留学生人数持续上升，而本省将完全取缔MSP计划，但现时并无任何方案修改《医疗护理保障法》中MSP的合资格要求。

上届省自由党政府去年宣佈，将MSP保费减半作为在2020年取消计划的过渡阶段，令国际留学生每月只需支付37.5元。

根据移民部的数据，现时在本省持有国际留学生签证的有14万2390人。

Victoria moving forward on MSP elimination

The Government of British Columbia announced this morning it is moving forward with its plan to eliminate Medical Service Plan (MSP) premiums and introduce the Employer Health Tax (EHT).

Together, these measures will reduce taxes on people and businesses by approximately $800 million each year, stated a Ministry of Finance press release.

“The last government chose to double MSP fees, costing families hundreds of dollars a year. People deserve a break, which is why we’re eliminating regressive MSP premiums,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “The EHT is a fairer approach, similar to other provinces, and that means lower taxes for British Columbians.”

The government tabled the Employer Health Tax Act in the legislature on Oct. 16. Fewer than five per cent of B.C. businesses will pay the full EHT rate of 1.95%, and the majority of small businesses are protected with a $500,000 exemption amount that phases-out gradually. The legislation also establishes a $1.5-million exemption amount for charities and non-profits, and is similarly phased out.

The B.C. government will eliminate MSP premiums by Jan. 1, 2020, noting that will save individuals up to $900 each year, and families as much as $1,800.

In addition, the administration of MSP premiums is costly and inefficient, the Ministry of Finance said.

“Transitioning to the EHT will save more than $50-million annually.”

B.C.’s EHT rate is tied with Ontario for the lowest payroll tax rate in the country.