MSP premium reduction savings must be passed onto members, says HSPBA

The savings resulting from the 50 per cent reduction in Medical Services Plan premiums introduced by the BC government January 1, 2018 must be directed to employees, says Jeanne Meyers, HSA’s Executive Director of Legal and Labour Relations.

Under the HSPBA collective agreement, employers pay 100 per cent of MSP benefits, representing a benefit negotiated on behalf of members.

“Savings realized by employers by the reduction in premiums must be passed onto members, and not put into employers’ coffers,” Meyers said.

Speaking on behalf of the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA), which includes health science professionals represented by CUPE, PEA, BCGEU, and HEU, Meyers said the Bargaining Association has requested that employers hold the savings in trust until such time as agreement is reached on how to pass the savings onto members.