Ottawa Restores Full Coverage for Some Refugee Health Benefits
The federal government has restarted some of its temporary healthcare coverage for refugees and asylum seekers, months after slashing benefits for the groups. Ottawa introduced changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) earlier this year following a pledge to lower funding for it. The program was created in 1957 to provide limited and temporary health-care coverage to foreign nationals deemed vulnerable and disadvantaged. But the IFHP’s costs have exploded in recent years, as more asylum seekers and refugees have come to Canada. Starting in May, most people in the program would be required to pay 30 percent of the costs for health services, assistive devices, and medical supplies that had previously been covered, as well as $4 for each eligible prescription medication filled or refilled.
The federal government has resumed some temporary healthcare coverage for refugees and asylum seekers after reducing benefits earlier in the year. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), created in 1957, provides limited health-care coverage to vulnerable foreign nationals. Recent increases in asylum seekers and refugees have led to escalating program costs, prompting changes where most participants are now required to pay a portion of service costs and a fee for prescription medications.
- The federal government has restarted some temporary healthcare coverage for refugees and asylum seekers.
- Changes were made to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) earlier this year to lower funding.
- The IFHP was established in 1957 to offer limited, temporary health-care coverage to vulnerable foreign nationals.
- Program costs have increased due to a rise in asylum seekers and refugees in Canada.
- Starting in May, most program participants must pay 30% of costs for health services, devices, and supplies.
- A $4 fee per eligible prescription medication is now required.
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