As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, BC’s Health Minister says there are changes coming to the MSP wait period in the province.

Adrian Dix says the wait period will be waved for people returning to the province from outside B.C. and Canada, if they intend to stay in B.C., while some people enrolled in the MSP plan who are out of the province may be given temporary coverage.

The province says the provincial emergency coverage is limited to the physician fee rates published in the Medical Services Commission Payment Schedule. Regulations under the Hospital Insurance Act limits the in-patient hospital per diem rate for hospital services outside Canada, to a maximum of $75 per day.

As for people with expired BC Services Cards?

“Beneficiaries who are either unwilling or unable to attend an ICBC office can contact Health Insurance BC and request a confirmation of coverage letter,” Dix said on Thursday. “Note that a beneficiary may use the Personal Health Number on their expired BC Services card to access provincially funded healthcare services. They just need to show another piece of ID.”

As well, Dix says people who’ve applied for MSP but have get to complete the process will also be given temporary coverage.

“We’re providing a period of temporary coverage that will result in a letter issued to the individual stating that they have MSP coverage,” Dix said. “This letter with the issued Personal Health Number may be used to access provincially funded health services.”

BC’s Health Minister says the MSP wait period will be waved for people returning to BC from outside the province or outside the country, who have been out longer than allowed.

He says there will be statement from the Medical Services Commission that confirms the details with all this information.