Korean Job Discussion Forums

[brento1138]

OK... so, one day, my parents let me know I have a bill awaiting me in the mail. Apparently, MSP (Medical Services Plan) Canada thinks I owe them over 450 bucks! So, I call them, tell them I haven't physically been in Canada for three years(except for breif visits) so how can I possibly be covered by healthcare when I am a non-resident? They say they'll look into it. They ask me for my Korean address. I give it to them, since I don't want my parents in the middle of all this.

So... I wait and wait. They said they'd contact me soon, and let me know what happened with waiving the fee (they had to make sure I didn't use my Care Card... which I didn't, obviously).

So long and behold... what comes for me in the mail!? Another bill!? This time with the amount INCREASED!!

Now I owe over 500 dollars to some MSP I never ever signed up for.

Is it just me, or is this typical ? Sometimes, Korea makes Canada look BAD... hehe... and now, I remember why I don't rag on Korean "logic" too much. Don't forget how dumb Canada can be....

[some waygug-in]

I had a similar thing happen to me with "Employment Insurance" the first year I got into this racket.

I had explained my situation at the gov't office, told them I was leaving the country to work in Mexico. They gave me instructions on what to do, how to fill out all the final cards so there would be no problem.

I did exactly as I was instructed and ........ about 6 weeks after I started working in Mexico I got a bill from them saying that I was overpayed by $700 or so. My income at the time was somewhere between 2 and 3 hundred a month, so I was not able to do anything about it either.

I waited till I returned to Canada the next year and then contacted them and explained the situation, they replied that I should have appealed the decision, and since I hadn't... I still owed the money. I mattered none that I had been impossible for me to appeal anything from Mexico. I couldn't even phone them.

I decided it was easier just to pay them than to try and argue further....

which is something I'm sure happens a lot.

[cruisemonkey]

It's up to you to cancel your coverage when you leave the country. I did - all it took was a phone call.

[spliff]

Pay up or loose your credit rating.

[robot]

I cancelled before coming as well. I didn't want any ties to jeopardize my non-resident status.

I didn't even cash my (albeit small) income tax refund, just cancelled everything and headed on over to the ROK.

[Mr. Pink]

What makes Canada look BAD is that people are WAY overtaxed. A huge portion of that taxation is "supposed" to go towards to the universal health care system they have in place. Trouble is, either the federal government isn't dishing enough to the provinces, or/and the provinces suck at managing their own budgets, so they find ways to pass the buck along to joe citizen.

At least in Ontario if you make less than a certain amount you do not have to pay anything. If you make over a certain amount, you have to pay up to $900.

When I consider what I get for that money...last time I was in Canada I could not even get a family doctor to see me because they are all closed practices.

Walk-in-Clinics suck.

I wouldn't really worry about your credit rating. At the same time, type them a letter explaining the situation and tell them you want a lettered response sent by registered mail to your complaint. If they still don't get their heads out of the butts, send a copy of both your letters to the MP your parents vote for...

[mrsquirrel]

Marijuana Smoking Police?

Yes they are here in Korea.

[Dome Vans]

First step, write a letter to the somebody (manager and supervisor) who works above the monkey that sends out the letter. Outlining your case. The idea about the MP is also good. Say to each that you have sent this letter to each. Also write to and speak to the monkey department who sent you the letter saying that you are going above their stupid heads because your grievance was not acceptable.

Having worked in a bank for a few years, you realise that going above the monkeys who are 'doing their job', most probably some agency staff you will get a lot more done, and you'll get a better outcome.

Always worked for me, kick up a massive fuss with a legitimate grievance and get the answer you want. It only takes one manager to say 'cancel the debt' for it to disappear, and as we know managers can do anything!!

[skdragon]

[brento1138]

[egrog1717]

[Countrygirl]

They sent my family a bill to Korea as well. First phone call to MSP from Korea was to give all the information (ie. when we left the country etc) and tell them our new address. Second phone call we had to repeat all the information from the first phone call and double check and triple check that we don't owe anything. The fact that they have done this more then once...Oh Canada!

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I'm sure glad I cancelled mine years ago when I moved to Quebec. The myth of free medicare across Canada is one of the best lies ever sold to a free public.

[Crowzone]

Strange.. In Ontario I have never had to pay a single thing with regards to health care....

[brento1138]

Yes, that is exactly what it is. A myth. Medicare is not free in Canada, so I've found out!

So, where did this whole "health care is free in Canada" thing come from anyways?