B.C. signals change to MSP premiums for single-parent families

CBC News has learned the B.C. government plans to reduce monthlyhealth premiumsfor single-parent families in its next budget.

The province has repeatedly come under fire for how its medical services plan fees are structured.

• MLA Andrew Weaver calls for new MSP premium payment structure
• B.C. rates up in 2016, but 'vast majority' will pay less tax
• MSP hike triggers new calls for reforms

Currently,families of three or morewho earn over$30,000 a year all pay $150 a month in fees.Thosewho earn less than $30,000can apply forpremium assistance to pay less.

CBC legislative reporter RichardZussmanhas learned the provincewill officially announce in its Feb.16 budget that it willchangethe MSP fee structure,allowing single-parent families to save $75 a month.

The changes would take effectJan.1, 2017.

MSP premium rates have gone up 39 per cent since 2009 and have been criticized by many.

B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver's first election promise was to replace the feeswith a system based on income levels.

Weaver said B.C. should adopt the Ontario model, which has a sliding scale for incomes between zero and $200,000.