by Sharon Lee
What is the Interim Federal Health Program?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage for refugees until they transition to provincial and territorial programs. The program has covered basic health care benefits such as hospital and ambulance services, services from licensed health care professionals, and lab and diagnostic services. In addition to basic coverage, it also covered supplemental services which includes prescription medications, emergency dental, basic vision, counselling, and more.
What is happening with IFHP?
The 2025 federal budget introduced a 15% cut to IFHP, and starting May 1, 2026, refugees will have to co-pay for some health care services. This means that refugees will have to pay a portion of health care costs that were previously fully covered by the program.
Specifically:
- They will have to pay a flare rate of $4 for each prescription
- 30% of the costs of all other supplemental health care (including psychologists, therapists, physiotherapists, assistive devices, mobility aids and hearing aids, home care and long-term care, urgent dental care and limited vision care, and medical supplies and equipment).
Who will be affected?
IFHP beneficiaries will be affected by this change including:
- refugee claimants and resettled refugees
Most refugees and claimants have limited funds for basic needs, and changes to IFHP will create a significant barrier to essential health care. Refugees are fleeing from war, trauma, sexual violence, torture, persecution, and may have unmanaged health conditions, war-related injuries and mental health trauma, with prolonged gaps in care pre-arrival.
Denying refugees access to health care worsens their health. It leads to more individuals in emergency departments and hospitals — putting more pressure on the already strained health care system and adding to refugees’ bills. This would also delay their participation in the workforce and community.
Early investment in refugees’ health helps them get back on their feet faster. This is evidence-based, equitable health policy and economic policy. A strong Canada is one where refugees have access to the health care they need to live dignified lives. As the federal government aims to strengthen Canada to thwart geopolitical pressures, we must not forget that taking care of each other is the most Canadian value there is.
What can you do?
Sign the Migrant Rights Network (MRN) Petition: https://migrantrights.ca/actionslist/stopifhpcuts/
Sign the Canadian Medical Association Petition: https://www.cma.ca/get-involved/health-advocacy#campaign
Sign the Canadian Pediatrics Society Petition: https://cps.ca/en/advocacy-defense/speak-out-protecting-ifhp-benefits
Contact your Member of Parliament: Find out who your MP is here https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en