New healthcare fees affect 200,000+ refugees and protected persons
On This Page You Will Find:
- Breaking details about the $4 prescription fee starting May 1, 2026
- Complete breakdown of which services will cost you 30% out-of-pocket
- Step-by-step process for navigating the new payment system
- Smart strategies to minimize your healthcare costs under the changes
- What remains completely free and fully covered by the program
Summary:
If you're currently covered under Canada's Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), prepare for significant changes coming May 1, 2026. The federal government will introduce modest co-payments for prescription medications ($4 per prescription) and supplemental health services (30% of costs). While core medical services like doctor visits and hospital care remain fully covered, these changes affect over 200,000 refugees, refugee claimants, and protected persons who rely on IFHP coverage. Understanding these changes now helps you budget effectively and ensures uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services during your transition to provincial coverage.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Starting May 1, 2026, you'll pay $4 for every prescription medication under IFHP
- Supplemental services like dental, vision, and physiotherapy will require 30% co-payment
- Doctor visits, hospital care, and essential medical services remain completely free
- The changes aim to control program costs that have exceeded $200 million annually
- Always confirm costs with your IFHP-registered provider before receiving supplemental care
Maria Santos stared at the government notice on her phone, trying to understand what it meant for her family's healthcare. As a refugee claimant from Venezuela, she'd relied on the Interim Federal Health Program to cover her daughter's asthma medications and her own dental care. Now, with new fees starting in May 2026, she wondered how much more her family would need to budget for basic healthcare needs.
You're not alone if you're feeling uncertain about these upcoming changes. The federal government has quietly announced that IFHP beneficiaries will begin paying out-of-pocket costs for many services starting May 1, 2026. Here's everything you need to know about how these changes will affect your healthcare coverage and costs.
Understanding the Current IFHP Coverage
The Interim Federal Health Program serves as a crucial safety net for individuals who haven't yet qualified for provincial or territorial health plans. Currently, the program provides comprehensive coverage for urgent and essential health needs, ensuring that refugees, refugee claimants, and other protected persons can access necessary medical care during their transition period in Canada.
If you're currently an IFHP beneficiary, you've likely experienced the peace of mind that comes with knowing your essential medical needs are covered. This includes everything from emergency room visits to prescription medications, dental care, and mental health services. However, this comprehensive coverage model is about to change significantly.
The program has grown substantially in recent years, with costs exceeding $200 million annually. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) argues that introducing modest cost-sharing measures will help maintain the program's financial sustainability while preserving access to core healthcare services.
What You'll Pay Starting May 1, 2026
Prescription Medication Fees
Every prescription you fill will now carry a flat $4 charge. This applies regardless of whether you're picking up a $15 antibiotic or a $150 specialty medication. The good news? You'll still save significantly on medication costs, as IFHP continues to cover the majority of prescription expenses.
For families managing chronic conditions, this change requires careful budgeting. If you currently fill four prescriptions monthly, you'll now pay $16 per month ($192 annually) in prescription co-payments. While this represents a new expense, it's substantially less than what you'd pay without any coverage.
Supplemental Health Services: 30% Co-Payment
The most significant change affects supplemental health services, where you'll now pay 30% of the total cost directly to your healthcare provider. This includes:
Dental Care: Routine cleanings, fillings, and basic dental procedures will require you to pay 30% of the total cost. A $200 dental cleaning would cost you $60 out-of-pocket.
Vision Services: Eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses fall under this category. If your new glasses cost $300, you'll pay $90 directly to your optometrist.
Mental Health Counseling: Therapy sessions and psychological services require 30% co-payment. A $120 counseling session would cost you $36.
Physiotherapy: Treatment sessions for injuries or chronic conditions will cost you 30% of the provider's fee.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other medical equipment will require 30% co-payment at the time of purchase or rental.
What Remains Fully Covered
Here's the reassuring news: core medical services continue without any out-of-pocket costs. You won't pay anything for:
Doctor Visits: Family physician appointments, specialist consultations, and walk-in clinic visits remain completely free.
Hospital Care: Emergency room visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays are fully covered.
Essential Medical Services: Laboratory tests, X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic procedures don't require co-payments.
Maternity Care: Prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care remain fully covered under IFHP.
This means that if you're dealing with a serious medical condition or emergency, you won't face financial barriers to accessing critical care. The government has strategically maintained full coverage for services that address immediate health and safety needs.
How the New Payment Process Works
Understanding the new process helps you prepare for healthcare visits and avoid surprises. Starting May 1, 2026, every IFHP-covered appointment will follow these steps:
Step 1: Eligibility Verification Your healthcare provider will confirm that you're still eligible for IFHP coverage. Make sure to bring your current IFHP certificate and government-issued identification to every appointment.
Step 2: Service Coverage Confirmation The provider will verify whether your needed service falls under core coverage (fully covered) or supplemental coverage (requiring co-payment).
Step 3: Cost Disclosure If a co-payment applies, your provider must inform you of the exact amount before providing the service. Don't hesitate to ask for this information upfront.
Step 4: Payment Collection You'll pay your portion directly to the healthcare provider at the time of service. Most providers accept cash, debit, or credit cards.
Step 5: IFHP Billing Your provider bills the remaining amount to IFHP through Medavie Blue Cross, the program's administrator.
Smart Strategies for Managing New Costs
Budget Planning
Start setting aside money now for healthcare co-payments. If you typically use supplemental services monthly, calculate your expected annual costs. For example, if you visit a physiotherapist twice monthly ($40 per session), budget approximately $384 annually for these co-payments ($40 × 0.30 × 24 sessions).
Provider Selection
Always choose IFHP-registered healthcare providers to ensure you receive the cost-sharing benefits. Use the official IFHP Provider Search tool to locate registered professionals in your area. Seeing non-registered providers means you'll pay full costs out-of-pocket.
Preventive Care Focus
Since core medical services remain fully covered, prioritize preventive care through your family physician. Regular check-ups can help identify issues early, potentially reducing your need for costly supplemental services later.
Service Timing
Consider timing non-urgent supplemental services strategically. If you need dental work and physiotherapy, spacing these expenses across different months can help manage your budget more effectively.
Financial Impact Analysis
For most IFHP beneficiaries, these changes represent a manageable increase in healthcare costs. Consider a typical family's annual healthcare usage:
- Monthly prescriptions (2): $96 annually
- Dental cleanings (2 per year): $72 co-payment
- Eye exam and glasses: $90 co-payment
- Occasional physiotherapy: $120 co-payment
Total annual increase: approximately $378
While this represents a new financial burden, it's significantly less than the thousands of dollars you'd pay without any health coverage. The government has designed these co-payments to be modest enough that they don't create barriers to necessary care.
Preparing for the Transition
Document Organization
Ensure your IFHP documentation remains current and easily accessible. Keep your certificate in your wallet and save digital copies on your phone for quick reference during healthcare visits.
Provider Communication
Contact your regular healthcare providers (dentist, physiotherapist, counselor) before May 1, 2026, to discuss the upcoming changes. Ask about their payment policies and whether they offer payment plans for larger co-payments.
Emergency Fund
Consider building a small healthcare emergency fund to cover unexpected co-payments. Even $200-300 in savings can provide peace of mind and ensure you don't delay necessary care due to cost concerns.
Looking Ahead: Long-term Implications
These changes reflect the government's effort to balance program sustainability with continued access to essential healthcare. While the co-payments represent new costs for beneficiaries, they help ensure the IFHP remains available for future refugees and protected persons who need this critical support.
The 30% co-payment structure for supplemental services aligns IFHP more closely with typical private insurance plans, potentially easing your eventual transition to provincial health coverage or employer-sponsored benefits.
What This Means for Your Healthcare Decisions
Don't let these changes discourage you from seeking necessary medical care. The co-payments are designed to be affordable, and the core services you're most likely to need in emergencies remain fully covered.
If you're currently receiving ongoing supplemental care, discuss the upcoming changes with your healthcare provider. They may be able to suggest treatment modifications or timing adjustments that help minimize your out-of-pocket costs while maintaining your health outcomes.
Remember that these changes don't affect your eligibility for IFHP coverage – they simply introduce modest cost-sharing for certain services. Your access to essential healthcare remains protected, and the program continues to provide valuable support during your transition period in Canada.
The key to navigating these changes successfully lies in understanding exactly what you'll pay, budgeting accordingly, and maintaining open communication with your IFHP-registered healthcare providers. By preparing now, you can ensure these new co-payments don't create barriers to maintaining your health and well-being.
FAQ
Q: How much will I pay for prescription medications under the new IFHP changes starting May 2026?
Starting May 1, 2026, you'll pay a flat $4 fee for every prescription medication you fill through IFHP, regardless of the medication's actual cost. This means whether you're picking up a $15 antibiotic or a $150 specialty medication, your out-of-pocket cost remains $4. For example, if you manage diabetes and fill three monthly prescriptions (insulin, test strips, and metformin), you'll pay $12 per month or $144 annually in prescription co-payments. The IFHP continues to cover the remaining medication costs, so you're still saving significantly compared to paying full price. If you currently fill multiple prescriptions, start budgeting now by multiplying your monthly prescription count by $4 to calculate your new annual medication expenses.
Q: Which healthcare services will require me to pay 30% out-of-pocket, and what does this mean for my budget?
The 30% co-payment applies to supplemental health services including dental care, vision services, physiotherapy, mental health counseling, and assistive devices. Here's how it works in practice: a $200 dental cleaning costs you $60, a $300 pair of prescription glasses costs $90, and a $120 therapy session costs $36 out-of-pocket. For budgeting purposes, if you typically have two dental cleanings yearly ($72 co-payment), get an annual eye exam with glasses ($90), and attend monthly physiotherapy sessions ($288 annually at $24 per session), you'd budget approximately $450 per year for these co-payments. Always confirm costs with your IFHP-registered provider before receiving services, as they must disclose your exact co-payment amount upfront.
Q: What healthcare services will remain completely free under the new IFHP fee structure?
Core medical services continue without any out-of-pocket costs, ensuring you won't face financial barriers for essential healthcare needs. This includes all doctor visits (family physician appointments, specialist consultations, walk-in clinics), hospital care (emergency room visits, surgeries, overnight stays), diagnostic services (laboratory tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), and maternity care (prenatal visits, delivery, postpartum care). If you're dealing with a serious medical condition, chronic illness, or emergency situation, you'll receive full coverage without co-payments. The government strategically maintained free access to services that address immediate health and safety needs. This means routine medical management, emergency care, and essential diagnostic procedures remain fully accessible regardless of your financial situation, preserving the IFHP's role as a crucial healthcare safety net.
Q: How do I navigate the new payment process when visiting healthcare providers after May 2026?
The new process involves five clear steps at every healthcare visit. First, bring your current IFHP certificate and government ID for eligibility verification. Second, your provider confirms whether your needed service requires co-payment (supplemental services) or remains free (core services). Third, if co-payment applies, the provider must tell you the exact amount before providing treatment – always ask for this information upfront. Fourth, you pay your portion directly to the provider at the time of service using cash, debit, or credit card. Fifth, your provider bills the remaining amount to IFHP through Medavie Blue Cross. To avoid surprises, call ahead for non-urgent appointments to discuss costs, ensure you're seeing an IFHP-registered provider using the official Provider Search tool, and consider bringing a payment method that works for your budget.
Q: What strategies can help me minimize healthcare costs under the new IFHP fee structure?
Focus on prevention and smart healthcare planning to reduce your overall costs. Since core medical services remain free, prioritize regular check-ups with your family physician to catch issues early, potentially avoiding costly supplemental services later. Always choose IFHP-registered providers to ensure you receive co-payment benefits rather than paying full costs. Time non-urgent supplemental services strategically – if you need dental work and physiotherapy, spread these expenses across different months for better budget management. Build a small healthcare emergency fund of $200-300 to cover unexpected co-payments without delaying necessary care. Consider bundling services when possible; for example, schedule your eye exam when you're ready to purchase new glasses to make one co-payment trip. Communicate with your regular providers about the upcoming changes and ask if they offer payment plans for larger co-payments or can suggest treatment timing that minimizes your costs.
Q: How will these IFHP changes affect families with children or individuals managing chronic health conditions?
Families and individuals with ongoing health needs should expect moderate but manageable cost increases. For families, prescription co-payments multiply by the number of family members needing medications – a family with two children requiring monthly prescriptions would pay $96 annually ($4 × 2 prescriptions × 12 months). Children's routine healthcare like pediatric visits and immunizations remain fully covered, but dental cleanings and vision care require 30% co-payment. For chronic conditions, focus on maximizing your free core services: regular physician monitoring, laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging remain fully covered. Work with your healthcare team to optimize treatment plans that emphasize covered services. If you're managing conditions requiring ongoing physiotherapy or counseling, budget approximately $300-600 annually depending on frequency. The key is early planning – start setting aside money now and discuss cost-effective treatment approaches with your healthcare providers before May 2026.
Q: What should I do right now to prepare for the IFHP fee changes taking effect in May 2026?
Start preparing immediately with these actionable steps. Calculate your expected annual costs by reviewing your current healthcare usage: count monthly prescriptions (multiply by $48 annually), estimate supplemental services like dental visits and physiotherapy sessions (multiply costs by 30%), and create a realistic healthcare budget. Begin setting aside money monthly – even $20-30 per month creates a helpful buffer for co-payments. Organize your IFHP documentation by keeping your certificate accessible and saving digital copies on your phone. Contact your regular healthcare providers (dentist, physiotherapist, counselor) to discuss the upcoming changes and ask about their payment policies. Verify that all your providers are IFHP-registered using the official Provider Search tool. Consider scheduling routine supplemental services like dental cleanings or eye exams before May 1, 2026, if you're due for these services. Finally, discuss the changes with your family physician to understand how they might affect your ongoing treatment plans and explore preventive care strategies that maximize your free core services.
