Massage therapy coverage in BC: what MSP and extended health actually cover

In British Columbia, massage therapy is a regulated health profession. Understanding how different benefit plans cover these services can help you plan for your care. This guide explains how the Medical Services Plan (MSP) supplementary benefits work, what to know about private extended health plans, and where to find information about coverage through other programs like ICBC or WorkSafeBC.

Massage Therapy as a Regulated Profession in British Columbia

In British Columbia, registered massage therapists (RMTs) are regulated health professionals. This means they are governed by a provincial college that sets standards for education, practice, and ethics. The regulatory body for massage therapists in BC is the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC) [2]. This college helps ensure that RMTs meet specific requirements to practice safely and competently [2].

It is important to note that the regulation of massage therapy varies by province in Canada. Being a registered massage therapist in British Columbia means you are held to standards set by a provincial college [2]. This status is different from provinces where massage therapy may not have a dedicated regulatory college. If you need to verify an RMT's registration or understand the rules they follow, you can contact the CCHPBC [2].

MSP Supplementary Benefits for Massage Therapy

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia offers supplementary benefits that provide partial payment for certain medical services, including massage therapy [1, 3]. These benefits are designed to support eligible individuals with the costs of services from approved providers [1].

Services Covered by Supplementary Benefits

MSP supplementary benefits cover several types of services from approved providers in British Columbia [1, 3]. These include: * Acupuncture [1, 3] * Chiropractic [1, 3] * Massage therapy [1, 3] * Naturopathy [1, 3] * Physical therapy (also referred to as physiotherapy) [1, 3] * Non-surgical podiatry [1, 3]

Who is Eligible for MSP Supplementary Benefits?

Eligibility for MSP supplementary benefits is primarily based on your annual net income [1]. If your adjusted net income, or the combined adjusted net income for you and your spouse, is less than $42,000, your family may qualify [1].

To determine your adjusted net income, the province considers your net income from the previous year, as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) [1]. Certain deductions are applied, including those for your age (and your spouse's age), family size, disability, and any income from the Universal Child Care Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan [1].

Beyond income, certain groups may also be eligible for MSP coverage of supplementary benefits [1]: * Individuals receiving Income Assistance [1] * Convention refugees [1] * Inmates of B.C. Correctional Facilities [1] * Individuals enrolled with MSP through the At Home Program [1] * Residents of long-term care facilities who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) [1] * Individuals enrolled with MSP as Mental Health Clients [1] * First Nations individuals who have valid B.C. Medical Plan coverage through the First Nations Health Authority [1]

To be eligible for supplementary benefits, you must also be enrolled in MSP, be a resident of British Columbia as defined by the Medicare Protection Act, and have resided in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for at least the 12 months immediately before applying [1]. You must also not be exempt from paying income tax due to any other act [1].

How to Apply for Supplementary Benefits

If you are not yet enrolled in MSP, you can apply for MSP enrolment, Fair PharmaCare, and Supplementary Benefits using the BC Application for Health and Drug Coverage [1]. This form is available online or in print [1]. Once your MSP enrolment is complete, your supplementary benefits application will be processed [1].

If you are already enrolled in MSP, you can apply for Supplementary Benefits and Fair PharmaCare by submitting the BC Application for Health and Drug Coverage and completing the necessary sections [1]. You do not need to re-apply for MSP enrolment [1].

The application process involves giving permission for the CRA to release your (and your spouse's, if applicable) Notice of Assessment or Reassessment information to the Ministry of Health or Health Insurance BC [1]. This allows the province to verify your income each year and automatically assess your eligibility [1]. To maintain eligibility and avoid reapplying, it is important to file your taxes every year [1]. You generally only need to apply once if you remain eligible for MSP coverage and file your taxes annually [1].

What MSP Covers for Eligible Individuals

For those who are eligible for MSP supplementary benefits, MSP contributes $23 per visit for services from approved providers [1]. This payment applies to acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy, and non-surgical podiatry [1].

There is a combined annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year for these services [1]. This means that the 10 visits are shared across all the supplementary benefit services you might use in a year, not 10 visits per service type [1]. For example, if you have 5 chiropractic visits and 5 massage therapy visits in a calendar year, you would have reached your combined annual limit [1]. MSP does not cover any supplementary benefits received outside of British Columbia [1].

Opted-Out Practitioners

It is important to know that many supplementary benefits practitioners, including some massage therapists, choose to opt out of MSP [1]. This means they are allowed to charge patients more for a service than the fee set by the MSP Payment Schedule [1].

If a practitioner has opted out, they must inform you before providing treatment [1]. They must also tell you how much MSP will reimburse for the service and how much you will need to pay in addition to the MSP fee [1]. This helps ensure you understand the total cost before your appointment.

Extended Health Plans

Many people in British Columbia have extended health plans through their employer or a private insurance provider. These plans can offer additional coverage for what registered massage therapy is and other health services not fully covered by MSP.

Coverage details for extended health plans vary significantly from one plan to another. Common elements you might find in an extended health plan include: * Per-visit maximums: Some plans may set a limit on how much they will cover for each massage therapy appointment. * Annual maximums: There is often an overall limit on the total amount the plan will pay for massage therapy services within a calendar year. * Physician referral requirements: Some extended health plans may require a physician's referral for massage therapy to be covered. This is a rule set by the insurance plan itself, not a legal requirement for receiving massage therapy. * Coordination of benefits: If you have coverage from more than one extended health plan, or if you are eligible for MSP supplementary benefits, your plans may coordinate benefits to cover a larger portion of the cost.

To understand your specific coverage, it is best to contact your extended health plan provider directly. They can provide details on your benefits, any limits, and whether a referral is needed.

ICBC and WorkSafeBC Coverage

If your massage therapy needs are related to an injury from a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury, you may have coverage through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) or WorkSafeBC. These are separate programs with their own specific rules and claim processes.

For information on massage therapy coverage related to a motor vehicle accident, you should contact ICBC directly to understand their current policies and how to submit a claim.

For workplace injuries, WorkSafeBC manages claims and coverage for necessary treatments. If your injury is work-related, you should contact WorkSafeBC to learn about their coverage for massage therapy and the steps required for approval.

What this means for you

Navigating the costs of massage therapy in British Columbia involves understanding various benefit programs. If you are considering massage therapists in Vancouver or massage therapists in Burnaby, for example, it is helpful to know your potential coverage options.

First, check your eligibility for MSP supplementary benefits, especially if your income qualifies you or if you belong to one of the specific eligible groups [1]. Remember that MSP contributes $23 per visit for a combined total of 10 visits per year across several supplementary services [1]. Always confirm with your chosen practitioner if they are opted-out of MSP and what your out-of-pocket cost will be [1].

Next, review your private extended health plan details. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific per-visit and annual maximums, and whether a doctor's referral is required by your plan.

If your needs are related to an accident or injury, reach out to ICBC or WorkSafeBC to inquire about their coverage processes.

A regulated health professional, such as a registered massage therapist, can discuss your treatment plan and help you understand the potential costs involved. They can also often provide receipts for you to submit to your insurance provider.

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