Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) - Coverage Guide for Clinicians

What Is the IFHP?

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage for protected persons in Canada who do not yet have provincial health coverage. It is administered by Medavie Blue Cross.

Who Is Eligible?

*     Government-assisted refugees (GARs)

*     Privately sponsored refugees (PSRs)

*     Blended Visa Office-Referred refugees (BVORs)

*     Refugee claimants (asylum seekers) during their claim process

*     Rejected claimants until accepted, deported, or claim abandoned

What Does It Cover?

Basic Coverage

Similar to regular provincial plans: in-patient and out-patient care, laboratory and diagnostic tests, ambulance services.

Supplemental Coverage

Similar to social assistance provincial plans: dental and vision care, home care, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hearing aids, and other medical equipment.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medications listed on provincial formularies (in Alberta: the Alberta Blue Cross Drug Benefit List). Special refugee-specific medications such as antihelminthics and ivermectin are also covered.

Registering as a Provider

Physicians must register with Medavie Blue Cross to bill the IFHP.

IFHP Information for Health-Care Professionals: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/professionals.html

Transitioning to Provincial Coverage

Resettled Refugees in Alberta

*     Eligible to apply for a Personal Health Number (PHN) through AHCIP immediately on arrival

*     Process takes a few weeks

*     Stop billing IFHP once the patient has a valid PHN

Refugee Claimants

*     Cannot apply for AHCIP until their claim is determined

*     If claim accepted: apply for PHN at an authorized registry agent

Useful Links

*     IFHP Summary of Coverage: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html

*     Medavie Blue Cross IFHP Portal: ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca

*     Alberta Blue Cross Drug Benefit List: idbl.ab.bluecross.ca