Americans Working/Going to School in Vancouver BC Canada, Living in Bellingham? (health insurance)

[hopedespair]

I know that somewhat similar questions have been asked before, but I am hoping to get some new perspectives and have a few additional questions. Here is the scenario.

My husband and I are Americans. We are currently living in Vancouver, BC. He has a fulltime job in Delta (closer to the US border) that provides us both with health insurance through the BC MSP / provincial system. I am currently a graduate student at UBC. We are temporary residents thanks to my student permit which got him a work permit.

The thing is, Vancouver is incredibly expensive and we don't really like living here very much. We are looking into the possibility of living in Bellingham but commuting to Vancouver. I will likely only have to go to the campus 1 day a week and he will probably be able to get a work schedule where he works only Friday through Sunday.

Does anyone know implications for healthcare? Would we have to forfeit our BC employer-covered healthcare if we are living in the US?

I know that we'd have to pay BC and federal Canadian taxes and also file with the US (but then claim a foreign tax credit... right?). The tax thing doesn't seem like a huge deal.

We have already applied for nexus and are waiting to hear back. My main concern / question right now is the health care one.

I'd also LOVE to hear from anyone who is in or has been in a similar situation about the pros and cons.

Thank you!

[mikeinalberta]

Originally Posted by hopedespair

I know that somewhat similar questions have been asked before, but I am hoping to get some new perspectives and have a few additional questions. Here is the scenario.

My husband and I are Americans. We are currently living in Vancouver, BC. He has a fulltime job in Delta (closer to the US border) that provides us both with health insurance through the BC MSP / provincial system. I am currently a graduate student at UBC. We are temporary residents thanks to my student permit which got him a work permit.

The thing is, Vancouver is incredibly expensive and we don't really like living here very much. We are looking into the possibility of living in Bellingham but commuting to Vancouver. I will likely only have to go to the campus 1 day a week and he will probably be able to get a work schedule where he works only Friday through Sunday.

Does anyone know implications for healthcare? Would we have to forfeit our BC employer-covered healthcare if we are living in the US?

I know that we'd have to pay BC and federal Canadian taxes and also file with the US (but then claim a foreign tax credit... right?). The tax thing doesn't seem like a huge deal.

We have already applied for nexus and are waiting to hear back. My main concern / question right now is the health care one.

I'd also LOVE to hear from anyone who is in or has been in a similar situation about the pros and cons.

Thank you!

Health care is based on residency, so you'll lose provincial health care if you live in the states. Taxes shouldn't be worse, but filing them might be a bit more difficult.

I don't know how fast the nexus card will make boarder crossings, but I wouldn't want to cross the boarder on a regular basis if you have a schedule to meet.

[Mini-apple-less]

I honestly don't feel like it's worth it.