Mental Health Is Important! Mental health is an important part of your physical healthcare and personal well-being. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, mental illnesses are characterized by changes in thinking, mood, or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning. Moreover, mental illness can take many forms. Examples: mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, or substance dependency. It is important to know that no matter how you are feeling, you are not alone. There is help out there. In this article, we will learn about mental health issues, the benefits of seeking help and mental wellness supporting societies in Lower Mainland B.C. The estimated read time is 6 – 8 minutes. Mental and Behaviour Health Learning Centre Firstly, mental health can refer to a wide range of conditions that affect how you think, feel, or interact with other people. In fact, the list of conditions that fall under the mental hygiene umbrella is extensive, and finding the information you need may be overwhelming. Furthermore, the Mental and Behaviour Health Learning Centre has mental health information in one place so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Hence, you can visit the website or alternatively call 811 to speak with a health services navigator, available 24/7. Ongoing Coronavirus Disease and Mental Wellness COVID-19 can make us feel confused, sad and anxious. Self-isolation may make us feel separate from the things and activities we use to help manage our feelings. For this reason, it is good to learn about resources and supports to help you take care of yourself and your family. Learn More It is Hard to Seek Help, We Understand According to government statistics, nearly half of all youth ages 8 to 15 with a mental illness receive no treatment. Although a lot of studies have been conducted to determine the reasons for this disparity. Yet, there is no single answer. Actually, some reasons have to do with the environment, economics, and other overarching factors. In some cases, the mental disorder itself may create conditions that prevent the individual from seeking help. The following were identified as particular issues that made it hard to reach out: Stigma and Embarrassment. Difficulty Recognizing Symptoms. Preference for Self-Reliance. Lack of Trust. Feelings of Hopelessness. Ask for Help – Tips Remember, there is nothing shameful about seeking help. Initially, you may feel vulnerable and unsure, but asking for help is essential. Good mental health treatment will set you on a path of recovery that enables you to enjoy your life truly. Hence, here are some basic tips to help you overcome your reluctance in seeking assistance: Ask for help before frustration and anger take over. Leave behind feelings of weakness, shame, and embarrassment. Talk to someone you trust. Be clear and direct when asking for help. Be as positive as you can. To learn more about mental care treatment and services, contact us Benefits of Getting Treatment for Mental Health Thankfully, identifying the benefits of treatment is easier than figuring out why it’s hard to ask for help. If you understand how much you have to gain, you will be more inclined to seek help. Depending on your specific situation, there will be particular advantages to getting treatment. But considering the overall benefits of mental health treatment is a great place to start: Improved quality of life. Improved relationships. Reduced chance for complications. Better performance at school or work. Reduced risk for medical issues. Encouragement and Support. Is It Covered by MSP? Mental health services like counselling or therapy may be covered by your BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) when you access the service through a hospital or mental health clinic. Find your local health authority to learn more about counselling services in your area. HealthLink BC’s Find Services tool and Locator app can also help you find services. Although you often need a doctor’s referral to access these types of programs. However, without a doctor’s referral, you need to access care through the private system, which is not funded by the government. Reach Out – Mental Health Support Societies The following are the organizations that provide treatment, support, education, and hope of recovery for people living with Mental Health Disorders. Reach out to them United Way British Columbia Mood Disorder Association of British Columbia Canadian Mental Health Association Stigma-Free Society Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society H. R. Mnetal Welness Centre Coast Mental Health Lastly, in case you are going through a mental disorder or require assistance for your mental wellness, Contact Us and we can provide you with complete care and guidance. Thank you for reading our blog, for more click here. Feedback and Suggestions are warmly welcome.

Choose the Best Pharmacy Near You There are a lot of Pharmacies in Lower Mainland available to choose from. However, it can be difficult to know which one will give you the best customer experience and the best rates. Thus, this blog will help you choose the best pharmacy in the Lower Mainland to save money on your prescription drugs. This article will only take roughly 5 to 7 minutes to read and will cover the following topics; Medical Coverage by Medical Service Plan (MSP) PharmaCare plan for extra coverage Key features of Costco Pharmacy Why Costco pharmacy is the best of all in market of pharmacies in Lower Mainland Medical service plan Firstly, MSP is public health insurance in B.C., available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents of B.C. It covers the doctor’s service fees. Similarly, you can also benefit from additional coverage, with the PharmaCare program. It covers the prescription medication, medical supplies as well as other pharmacy services. Read More PharmaCare Firstly, British Columbia’s publicly funded program Pharmacare by MSP covers a wide range of prescription drugs for extra medical coverage. Moreover, you can choose the following, as per your eligible conditions;  Fair PharmaCare Plan Coverage for eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, based on patients’ net income. Thus, protection from catastrophic drug costs for all B.C. residents, regardless of income. Read Plan B Covers the full cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies for permanent residents of licensed residential care facilities. Read Plan C Covers full eligible prescription costs for B.C. residents receiving benefits and income assistance through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Read Plan D Coverage of digestive enzymes for individuals who are registered with a provincial cystic fibrosis clinic. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Read Plan F Full coverage of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies for severely handicapped children. Read Plan G Coverage of certain psychiatric medications for B.C. residents of any age who demonstrate clinical and financial need. Read Plan P 100% coverage of eligible cost for medications used in palliative care, other medical supplies and equipment through the local health authority for B.C. residents who have reached the end stage of a life-threatening disease or illness, regardless of age. Read Plan W Funded by First Nations Health Authority, this plan covers costs of eligible prescriptions, pharmacy services and medical supplies including over-the-counter drugs, devices as well as health products. Read In addition, the maximum limit of reimbursement for a drug will be in accordance with the chosen PharmaCare plan. While in some other cases, it may be limited due to general limitations regardless of what PharmaCare plan has been chosen.    Costco Pharmacies in the Lower Mainland With hundreds of pharmacies in the Lower Mainland providing healthcare services in the region, choosing the best one with great prices and customer support service can be a difficult task. Thus, we have compared the pricing of the leading pharmacies in the Lower Mainland. Finally, we have chosen Costco Pharmacy to be the best pharmacy in Canada. Also, to save more money on prescriptions, Costco Pharmacy is the best provider. In relation, the following are seven (7) key highlights of Costco Pharmacy; Costco pharmacy prices are Great Costco pharmacy’s prices on pet medications are worth a look  You don’t have to be a Costco Member to fill a prescription  Costco pharmacy’s auto-refill program is very convenient  Avail additional savings through Costco Member Prescription Program Offers full-service travel immunization program (selected areas) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) Accredited  Finally, if you are out seeking the best pharmacy in the Lower Mainland to save money on your prescription drugs along with the above-mentioned highlights, Costco pharmacy is a great place to shop. Best of all, you don’t even have to be a Costco member to take advantage of the savings.   Furthermore, if you need more information regarding Pharmacies in Lower Mainland, Contact Us or Read our other article about Pharmacare! Thank you for reading our blog. For more click here Also, feedback and suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome.

MSP and PharmaCare for International Students in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley and all over BC. All International Students need to have MSP and pay for its fees. You can also benefit from discounts on drugs with PharmaCare. Please read this article to learn about its cost and coverage. Read time for this article is 5 – 7 minutes. Firstly, International students in British Columbia have to pay for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). This will provide coverage for necessary healthcare services. MSP will also allow you to be eligible for BC’s Fair PharmaCare program. In addition, MSP offers partial coverage on prescription drugs based on your income. How much is MSP for international students? International students coming to British Columbia to attend school must enroll in the province’s Medical Services Plan, including all K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions. This costs $75 per month and covers all essential healthcare services, as well as physicians and surgeons. This fee has changed in recent years. On January 1, 2020, the province of British Columbia eliminated MSP premiums for BC residents, while simultaneously doubling the rates for international students. The previous rate of $37.50 per month changed to the current rate of $75 per month. What is PharmaCare? Canada has a universal healthcare system. But unlike most other countries with such healthcare systems, our country does not automatically cover the costs of prescription drugs, medical supplies or pharmacy services. Instead, many Canadians pay for medications out-of-pocket. Additionally, you can have supplemental health plans through private insurance companies, which help pay for essential medications obtained at pharmacies. Fair PharmaCare Fair PharmaCare is an income-based program that helps BC residents pay for certain prescription drugs and medical supplies. This ensures that no British Columbia residents will face catastrophic medication costs, regardless of their financial situation. Also, the program is income-based, meaning that families with lower incomes will receive more financial help from Fair PharmaCare. In contrast, families with larger incomes will pay a higher amount out-of-pocket. However, Families, not individuals, determine coverage: A single person without a spouse or common-law partner, who is not dependent and doesn’t have any dependent children, is considered a family. International students are eligible for the Fair PharmaCare program, provided that they have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Personal Health Number. You must provide your net family income from two years ago, so that the province may determine your need for financial assistance. Those who already have private health insurance coverage may still be eligible for Fair PharmaCare. Register for Fair PharmaCare today! New residents who have not yet filed a tax return in Canada can phone 1-800-663-7100 to request an affidavit form (HLTH 5357). You will need to notarize and submit the tax return before applying for Fair PharmaCare. What is covered? Eligible prescription drugs, up to a certain amount (the exact amount covered will differ depending on the drug) Certain medical devices Some pharmacy services Certain pharmacy dispensing fees, up to $10 per fee IME Clinic Inc. is based in the Lower Mainland, BC, offering Immigration Medical Exams (IME) and Student Medical Exams (SME). The IME is a required part of the Canadian immigration process. Please note that MSP does not cover IME or SME fees. The doctors we work with have a flat fee of $260/Adult and $200/Child (under 15 years old) for IME. This does not include blood tests or x-rays performed at other clinics (Lifelabs and Downtown Radiology, respectively). For Student Medical Exam (SME), the cost is $195 and doesn’t require an x-ray or a blood test. If you wish to have a blood test done for an STI check, you can ask the doctor for a requisition during your SME. Contact Us to get started. We serve clients throughout the Lower Mainland and across Canada from multiple locations in Greater Vancouver. Thank you for reading our blog. For more click here Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome.

In this article, we will discuss Medical Services Plan(MSP) here in British Columbia. Read this article to learn about how to apply and discover what the Medical Service Plan (MSP) covers. The read time for this article is 7 – 9 minutes British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) Explained Are you looking for healthcare coverage in British Columbia? Firstly, you’ll need to enrol in BC’s Medical Service Plan, known as MSP (Medical Service Plan). MSP is a government-paid health insurance plan. It pays for medically required services of physicians and surgeons. Additionally, it also includes dental or oral surgery. However, only when medically required to be performed in a hospital.Furthermore, MSP is a mandatory public health insurance plan for everyone who lives in BC for six months or longer. Therefore, residents of BC are required to enrol themselves and their dependents with MSP at their earliest. Apply for Medical Service Plan Canada Medical Exam Society aims to create a healthy and safe Canada. Thus, CMES strongly urges everyone, including international students, to Apply for MSP instantly after arriving in Canada. Read further to learn more about MSP, eligibility, coverage and application submission options. Additionally, we have gathered the information below to help you learn and apply for PHN and SIN as well. Team CMES and our proud Operational Partner Team IME Clinic Inc. is happy to welcome all questions and queries relating to MSP, and all other medically related services in Canada. Feel free to Email us. What is Medical Service Plan and who is eligible? British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan covers medically required healthcare. The Medication Protection Act requires that all eligible residents and their dependents be enrolled with MSP. If you are an International Student, you should apply as soon as you arrive in Canada. People who are eligible for MSP include: All Residents who are either a citizen of Canada or lawfully admitted into the country for permanent residence. To be eligible you must live in BC for at least six months in a calendar year Dependants (including spouses, children, as well as dependent post-secondary students) Status First Nations residents of BC Certain individuals with Study Permits or Work Permits who may be considered BC residents What Does MSP Cover? BC’s Medical Services Plan covers medically required medical services with physicians and surgeons. This includes: Dental and oral surgery performed in a hospital Some orthodontic services Eye examinations if medically required Maternity care, including midwives Diagnostic services, including x-rays Supplementary healthcare services for eligible individuals, including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathy as well as non-surgical podiatry What is NOT Covered by MSP? Prescription drugs Cosmetic surgery Dental services, except for surgical procedures performed in hospitals Eyeglasses and contact lenses Preventative screenings Counsellors or psychologists Medical examinations required for: immigration, driving a vehicle, employment, life insurance, school or sports Routine eye examinations for people aged 19 to 64 Supplementary healthcare services for non-eligible individuals, including physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathy as well as non-surgical podiatry Ways to Apply for MSP New Canadian residents should apply for MSP as soon as they arrive. But your coverage may start three months after arriving in BC; you should get private healthcare insurance until then. International Students also need to get a private Student Medical Exam if they study in one of our partnered schools, even if they are still in the process of applying for MSP. Applying for MSP online takes about 15 minutes. Firstly, you will need identification for everyone on your application, as you will have to include digital images of documents that show your name and immigration status. You can apply here If you wish to apply by mail, print and fill out the form found here and mail it to this address: Health Insurance BC Medical Services PlanPO Box 9678 Stn Prov GovtVictoria, BC V8W 9P7 How to get a Personal Health Number (PHN) Your Personal Health Number is the unique identification number you will receive when you enrol with MSP. It stays with you for your entire life. And will remain the same regardless of where you live or any changes to your personal status. Furthermore, It can be found on BC Services Card, which one should have whenever healthcare services are required. How to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Social Insurance Number is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada. It is also necessary to have access to federal programs and benefits. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary workers must apply for one before receiving government services, including healthcare. You may apply for a SIN online here. You will need a primary identity document to prove; Your status in Canada (such as a Permanent Resident card) A secondary document (such as a passport or other government-issued ID) Proof of address (such as a lease) Note that if the name on one of your documents is different, you will also require a supporting document. How to get healthcare coverage in BC? One of the benefits of being a permanent resident in Canada is having access to the country’s universal healthcare, which covers essential healthcare services. That’s why when coming to Canada, you will need to prove that you are not: A danger to public health (carrying an infectious disease) A danger to public safety (violent behaviour or physical/mental incapacity) An excessive demand for healthcare or social services. This does not apply to refugees and protected persons. Also, some people sponsored by family members like dependent children or spouses are exempted. Thank you for reading our blog. We have more Medical Resources for you to read, gain information and stay healthy in Canada. Feedback and Suggestions for other blog topics are warmly welcome. If you have any further queries relating to MSP, please feel free to discuss it further with our Registered Doctor during your Student Medical Exam. Alternatively, you can Email us your query and we will provide you with all the necessary information you request.