MSP Enrollment and Coverage for BC Hydro Employees

MSP Enrollment and Coverage for BC Hydro Employees

What MSP Covers

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is your provincial health plan. MSP coverage is mandatory for all residents of British Columbia and provides the following:

• Medically required services of physicians or specialists.
• Maternity care provided by a physician.
• Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory services, provided at approved facilities.
• Dental and oral surgery when medically required to be performed in hospital.

Taxable Benefit for MSP Premiums

Based on current tax regulations, MSP premiums paid by BC Hydro create a taxable benefit and appear on your pay statement and T4 slip.

Benefit Levels and MSP Coverage

Level 1 benefit coverage does not include MSP coverage; proof of alternate coverage is required.

Level 2 and Level 3 benefits include MSP coverage, provided you have completed the MSP Change of Payer Form or the Group Application Form. The form should be sent to Employee Benefits, Morneau Shepell (OCS).

If this is not done, it is assumed you have MSP coverage through another source (i.e., your spouse's employer), and do not require coverage through BC Hydro.

Coverage Effective Date

Effective Date: the first of the month following the month in which employment commences (for example, if you commence work March 20, coverage would be effective April 1).

Employees Already Covered by MSP

Employees already covered by MSP will not receive new BC Care Cards when they enroll through BC Hydro. If you have paid for coverage beyond the effective date of your coverage with BC Hydro, MSP will, in due course, refund any overpayment directly to you.

New Residents and the Three-Month Waiting Period

New arrivals to British Columbia: there is a three-month residency requirement before your coverage will take effect. It is essential you complete the MSP Group Enrolment Application, with required documentation, when you enroll in benefit coverage to initiate the MSP enrolment process and avoid delays in obtaining coverage. You should also ensure any previous coverage with another province is continued during this waiting period.

New residents will receive BC Care Cards once their application has been processed.

Required Paperwork

Required Paperwork: Any employee who intends to have MSP provided through BC Hydro must complete and submit the MSP Group Application Form. If coverage through BC Hydro is not required, the MSP Waiver Form should be completed. The applicable form should be sent to Employee Benefits, Morneau Shepell (OCS).