Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022

Victoria — Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.

Government is encouraging those arriving in British Columbia from Ukraine under the CUAET to submit their application for MSP enrolment as soon as they arrive in British Columbia at: www.gov.bc.ca/MSP/applyforhealthcare
Or by calling 1 800 663-7100 for more information.

“We anticipate that some individuals arriving in British Columbia from Ukraine will need medical services immediately,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “That’s why our government is working across ministries to ensure that eligible newcomers who arrive will have access to the service and supports they need, when they need it to ensure the softest landing possible after an unimaginable ordeal.”

Due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the Government of Canada introduced the CUAET, an accelerated temporary residence pathway, which will allow Ukrainians to work and stay in Canada. Under the CUAET, Ukrainians and their family members can apply for a three-year Temporary Resident Visa or Open Work Permit.

“The Ukrainians arriving in B.C. are beginning a new chapter of their lives as they settle in Canada and will need proper health supports,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “By giving individuals arriving in B.C. from Ukraine day-of-arrival MSP coverage, we’re doing what we can for one of the most important aspects of their journey: health and safety.”

The Province is committed to working with its partners, including the federal government, to ensure those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine are welcomed to British Columbia as efficiently as possible. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can apply for the CUAET and receive date-of-arrival MSP coverage.

“While actively working on assessing and supporting the most essential needs of displaced people from Ukraine arriving in British Columbia, our community support groups indicate that many of those who choose our province as a safe temporary home – mothers with children, students, elderly people – need to see physicians and medical specialists, to access prescription drugs, and to receive mental health counseling,” said Natalie Jatskevich, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, BC Provincial Council. “We welcome the B.C. government decision to provide Medical Service Plan coverage for Ukrainians who enter into B.C. under the CUAET. This important step guarantees that displaced Ukrainians will have access to the most vital services and have their immediate health care needs addressed in our province.”

Learn More:

To learn more about what supports are available to Ukrainians, or how to support Ukrainians arriving to B.C., visit the Welcoming Ukraine website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine/welcome

Or call the Service BC phone line at 1 800 663-7867.

A backgrounder follows.

Backgrounders

Supporting Ukrainians

The Province amended the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation to extend Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage to all individuals arriving in B.C. under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). There will also be no three-month waiting period before MSP coverage begins to help ensure immediate access to health services.

In addition to day-of-arrival coverage for MSP, the Province has ensured more supports are available to help Ukrainians settle in B.C., including:

expansion of United Way British Columbia’s services to include bc211 phone and web support;
access to free employment services and supports available through 102 WorkBC Centres, including skills training, employment counselling and access to the WorkBC provincial job board with more than 49,000 job postings, job application tips and career tools;
school districts are encouraged to enrol K-12 students from Ukraine and can waive additional fees they might have for extracurricular activities, such as music or soccer camps, or where the financial situation of the family necessitates it;
affordable and no-cost mental-health resources for children, youth and their families from community counselling providers throughout British Columbia; and
ensuring Ukrainians arriving though the CUAET program are eligible for domestic tuition at public post-secondary institutions. As well, post-secondary institutions are delivering access to on-campus supports, including mental-health, accommodation and financial assistance, such as emergency grants or tuition deferrals.

Most Ukrainians coming to B.C. are expected to arrive through the CUAET program. Between March 17 and April 19, Canada received more than 163,000 applications from Ukrainians under this new emergency travel program. In that time, more than 56,000 applications have been approved. Ukrainians arriving through this program may settle where they choose.

Jennifer Rice

MLA, North Coast

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

Backgrounders

Supporting Ukrainians