MSP Supplementary Benefits
On January 1, 2002, physiotherapy was de-listed by the government from the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP), meaning that the majority of people in BC must pay for physiotherapy through extended health benefits, their own money, or a combination of the two.
However, some people may be eligible to access financial support through MSP supplementary benefits. BC Government's website on Supplementary Benefits outlines the following:
Those who may be eligible for MSP coverage of these supplementary benefit services include:
- Those who have applied and been deemed eligible based on their annual net income
- Income Assistance recipients
- Convention refugees
- Inmates of B.C. Correctional Facilities
- Individuals enroled with MSP through the At Home Program
- Residents of long term care facilities receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Individuals enroled with MSP as Mental Health Clients; and
- First Nations individuals with valid B.C. Medical Plan coverage through the First Nations Health Authority
For these MSP beneficiaries, MSP contributes $23 per visit for a combined annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year for the following services from approved providers: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry. MSP does not provide any coverage for supplementary benefits received outside of the province.
For more information on accessing or applying for Supplementary Benefits, please read here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/benefits/services-covered-by-msp/supplementary-benefits