Changes to the Interim Federal Health Program Introduce Co-Payments Starting May 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced upcoming changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), introducing co-payments for certain supplemental health products and services beginning May 1, 2026. The changes were first outlined in Budget 2025 and aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program amid rising demand.

The IFHP provides temporary and limited health coverage to eligible beneficiaries, such as refugees, protected persons, and certain other groups, until they transition to provincial or territorial health care systems. Core medical services will remain fully covered, while new cost-sharing measures will apply only to supplemental benefits.

What Is Changing Under the IFHP

Starting May 1, 2026, IFHP beneficiaries will be required to contribute to the cost of some supplemental health care items and services through co-payments. These include:

• $4 per eligible prescription medication, whether filled or refilled
• 30% of the cost for all other eligible supplemental health products and services, including dental care, vision care, counselling, and assistive devices

A co-payment represents the portion paid directly by the beneficiary to the health care provider, with the remaining amount covered by the IFHP.

What Will Remain Fully Covered

Importantly, basic health care services are not affected by these changes. Doctor visits, hospital services, and other essential medical care will continue to be fully covered under the IFHP, with no co-payments required.

Why the Government Is Introducing Co-Payments

IRCC has stated that introducing co-payments is intended to balance accessibility with fiscal responsibility. As demand for supplemental health services grows, these measures are designed to help maintain access for current beneficiaries while preserving the program for future newcomers who rely on it during their transition to Canada’s public health care systems.

What Beneficiaries Should Do

Beginning May 1, 2026, IFHP beneficiaries are encouraged to:

• Continue using health care providers registered under the IFHP through the IFHP Provider Search tool
• Ask providers in advance whether a co-payment will apply
• Confirm the exact amount they will need to pay
• Keep receipts for all co-payments made

Additional Resources Available

IRCC has released an information toolkit to help beneficiaries, service providers, and stakeholders understand the new co-payment structure. Detailed benefit grids, billing guidance, and coverage information are available through the Interim Federal Health Program website and Medavie Blue Cross.

Why This Matters

For many newcomers, the IFHP plays a critical role in ensuring access to essential health services during the early stages of settlement. While the introduction of co-payments represents a shift in how supplemental benefits are delivered, the continued full coverage of core medical services underscores the program’s role as a vital safety net.

As Canada adjusts its temporary health coverage framework in 2026, understanding these changes will be essential for beneficiaries, advocates, and service providers alike.