What is the Interim Federal Health Program?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal health coverage program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that provides basic healthcare coverage to eligible refugees and refugee claimants. The program ensures that refugee claimants awaiting a decision on their claim can access essential healthcare without concern about cost.
The IFHP covers basic and emergency medical services, pharmaceutical services, and supplementary services. The program operates on the principle that refugee claimants should have access to essential healthcare during their stay in Canada. However, the coverage provided by IFHP is basic in nature and does not cover all healthcare services available to Canadian citizens.
Understanding what IFHP covers is essential for refugee claimants to know what healthcare they can access without paying out of pocket and what expenses they may need to cover themselves.
Who is Eligible for IFHP?
The Interim Federal Health Program covers refugee claimants and certain other groups awaiting immigration decisions. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and the stage of your claim process.
Refugee Claimants
Individuals who have made a refugee claim in Canada and are awaiting a decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) are eligible for IFHP coverage. This includes both those who claimed at a port of entry and those who claimed within Canada.
Protected Persons
Once your refugee claim is approved and you become a protected person in Canada, you are generally no longer eligible for IFHP. As a permanent resident, you become eligible for provincial health coverage.
Other Eligible Groups
IFHP coverage also applies to certain other groups, including people subject to a removal order who have not yet been removed, and people in Canada awaiting a decision on other immigration applications where they are not eligible for provincial coverage.
Proof of Eligibility
To access IFHP, proof of refugee claim status is required. This is typically a refugee claim receipt or documentation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirming that a pending claim exists.
What Does IFHP Cover?
IFHP provides coverage for essential healthcare services. The program is designed to cover urgent and necessary medical needs but does not provide comprehensive coverage equivalent to provincial health plans.
Physician Services
IFHP covers doctor visits with a general practitioner or family physician at no cost to you. This includes necessary medical assessments and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Visits to specialists may be covered if referred by your general practitioner.
Hospital Services
Emergency hospitalization is covered by IFHP. This includes emergency room visits, hospital admission, and emergency surgical procedures. Non-emergency hospitalization may not be covered or may require approval from IFHP.
Diagnostic Services
Lab tests and diagnostic imaging services prescribed by your physician are generally covered by IFHP. This includes blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds that are medically necessary.
Maternity Services
IFHP covers prenatal care, hospital delivery, and postnatal care for pregnant refugee claimants. Midwifery services and some complementary services may be available through IFHP as well.
Mental Health Services
Coverage for mental health services is limited under IFHP. Basic counseling and psychological services prescribed by your physician may be covered in some cases, but comprehensive mental health coverage is not provided.
Prescriptions and Dental Coverage
IFHP includes limited coverage for prescriptions and minimal dental coverage. Understanding what is and is not covered helps you anticipate healthcare costs.
Prescription Medications
IFHP covers prescription medications prescribed by a physician for treatment of acute and chronic conditions. However, coverage is limited to a formulary of approved medications. Some expensive or newer medications may not be covered, or may require special approval.
Dental Services
Dental coverage under IFHP is very limited. Only emergency dental care (such as for severe pain or infection) is typically covered. Routine dental care, cleanings, and cosmetic dentistry are not covered. When dental work is needed, payment out-of-pocket is likely necessary, or community dental clinics that offer services at reduced rates may be available.
Vision Care
Vision care and eyeglasses are generally not covered by IFHP. When eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed, payment out-of-pocket is necessary. Some community organizations may offer assistance with vision care for low-income individuals.
How to Access IFHP
Accessing healthcare through IFHP requires understanding how to register and how to use your coverage. The process is generally straightforward but involves several steps.
Registering for IFHP
Automatic registration for IFHP occurs when a refugee claim is processed. An IFHP eligibility letter or document confirming coverage is typically issued. If documentation is not received, contacting IRCC to confirm eligibility is advisable.
Finding Healthcare Providers
Individuals can visit any physician or healthcare facility in Canada, and verification of IFHP coverage is available. Healthcare providers submit billing directly to IFHP, and individuals covered by the program should not be charged for covered services. Healthcare providers can verify IFHP as a valid federal health program.
Community Health Centers
Many communities have community health centers or settlement agencies that are familiar with IFHP and can help refugee claimants access healthcare. These centers often have physicians who are experienced in working with refugees and can assist with IFHP claims.
Understanding Your Coverage Letter
The IFHP coverage letter contains important information about eligibility, coverage dates, and contact information for IFHP. This letter is typically needed to provide to healthcare providers as proof of coverage.
Provincial Health Coverage and Supplements
In addition to IFHP, some provinces provide supplementary health coverage for refugee claimants. Provincial coverage varies significantly by province and can supplement federal IFHP coverage.
Provincial Variations
Some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, provide additional health coverage beyond IFHP. This provincial coverage may include services not covered by IFHP, such as some dental services, prescription coverage for certain populations, or vision care. Contact your provincial health ministry to determine what additional coverage may be available.
Coordination of Benefits
If you have both IFHP and provincial coverage, coordination of benefits may apply. This means both the federal and provincial programs may contribute to your healthcare costs. Understanding how the programs coordinate helps you maximize your coverage.
Applying for Provincial Coverage
Upon becoming a permanent resident, individuals transition from IFHP to provincial health coverage. Application for provincial health coverage in the province of residence is required. The provincial health ministry provides information about the application process and coverage details.
Limitations and Exclusions
IFHP does not cover all healthcare services. Understanding the limitations helps you plan for healthcare costs that you may need to cover yourself.
Services Not Covered
Services not covered by IFHP include cosmetic procedures, most dental care, vision correction, naturopathic services, and non-medically necessary services. Experimental treatments and services provided outside Canada are also not covered. Individuals requiring services not covered by IFHP are responsible for the cost of these services.
Approval Requirements
Some services require prior approval from IFHP before coverage is provided. A physician must apply for approval, and approval is required before undergoing certain procedures or treatments. Proceeding without approval may result in denial of coverage.
Coverage Limits
IFHP may limit coverage for certain services, such as coverage of a specified number of therapy sessions or a maximum dollar amount for certain treatments. Your IFHP coverage letter will specify any coverage limits.
Loss of Coverage
Your IFHP coverage ends when your refugee claim is approved (and you become a protected person), when your claim is finally dismissed (and removal is enforced), or when you leave Canada. It is important to understand when your coverage ends and to plan for healthcare after IFHP is no longer available.