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B.C. health minister scraps planned hike to medical premiums

B.C. health minister scraps planned hike to medical premiums | iNFOnews.ca
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KAMLOOPS, B.C. – British Columbia's health minister says planned hikes to medical premiums are now off the table.

The government announced in the February budget that rates for the Medical Services Plan would rise by four per cent next year.

But Health Minister Terry Lake says that has changed because B.C.'s strong economy has generated a robust budget and it's time to spread the wealth.

He says the economy can change very quickly, but everyone should be able to benefit when times are good.

Rates for the MSP will stay at $75 per month for an adult earning more than $30,000 per year, and will go down for people on premium assistance.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong is expected to make the news official when he provides a quarterly budget update on Thursday.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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