It is mandatory for me to get health insurance?

Question

I am living in British Columbia, Canada. I just found out that I am required by law to get the health insurance that the government provides. What happens if I don't want to get it? Will they send me to jail? Will they give me a fine?

Answer 1

They won't put you in jail. There are no debtors' prisons anymore, and prisoners are not required to pay unless their income is over $20,000 anyway.

Enrolment is mandatory for all residents of British Columbia. If you don't pay, MSP can and will start collections action to recover the premiums you owe. They can also seize your income tax refunds and GST Credit cheques. Also, if you don't pay, they won't issue you a Health Care Card.

I don't know if interest accrues on the amounts owing, and the website for MSP doesn't mention anything about your employer being required to hold back the premiums from your pay. Your employer may have enrolled in a voluntary programs for this though.

Answer 2

You must have MSP coverage if you are living here in BC.  It is $54 per month, and if you don't pay it, a lien will be placed on your file with CRA.

Not paying your premiums means you are uninsured.  If you get sick, or heaven forbid, require surgery or cancer treatment, you have to pay for it out of your own pocket.  The good new is that once you pay your back premiums, you are covered.

Every year, taxpayers are on the hook for billions because of people who think that healthcare is free.  They come from all over the world to receive treatment in our hospitals, then walk away from the bill.  

Answer 3

No, employers do NOT collect MSP premiums, you are required to pay them yourself.

If you fail to pay, you will not have a medical card, which means no service at doctors or hospitals.  But it is NOT voluntary, all residents pay the premiums.

Failure to pay is an offense, and you will have any tax refunds held, plus (if it gets serious enough) you will be charged and fined.  It will never go away, they will eventually find you and make you pay.

Answer 4

Enrolling for medical coverage is mandatory for B.C. residents.  http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/insurance/bc...

Your employer would automatically deduct from your paycheques for the BC health care premium, as they deduct your taxes, EI & CPP premimums.  In other words, you have no choice unless you wish to get a hard time to your employer by getting you fired.   If you are self employed, and do not remit the health care premium, I would imagine that there is a penalty (at least interest charges for the outstanding and late amounts) for the non remittance.