Changes to the Interim Federal Health Program
Ottawa, January 27, 2026— As announced in Budget 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will introduce co-payments for supplemental health products and services for eligible people (beneficiaries) covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
The IFHP provides limited and temporary coverage for urgent and essential health products and services for eligible beneficiaries until they transition to provincial or territorial health care programs.
A co-payment is the portion of the cost that a beneficiary pays directly to their health care provider, with the remaining cost covered by the IFHP. Introducing co-payments will help keep supplemental health care accessible for eligible beneficiaries while responsibly managing growing demand. This change supports the long-term sustainability of the IFHP so it can continue providing essential support to current and future beneficiaries.
What is changing
As of May 1, 2026, IFHP beneficiaries will be responsible for the following co-payments:
- $4 for each eligible prescription medication filled or refilled under the IFHP
- 30% of the cost of all other eligible supplemental health products and services, including dental care, vision care, counselling and assistive devices
Beneficiaries covered by the IFHP will be asked to pay these amounts directly to their health care providers when they receive IFHP-eligible supplemental products or services. Basic health care benefits, including doctor visits and hospital care, will remain fully covered under the IFHP, with no co-payments required.
Starting May 1, 2026, we encourage IFHP beneficiaries to
- continue to choose a health care provider registered under the IFHP using the IFHP Provider Search tool
- ask their health care provider whether a co-payment will apply before receiving care
- confirm how much they will need to pay
- keep receipts for any co-payments made
An information toolkit is available with guidance and resources for beneficiaries, stakeholders and service providers. More information about IFHP coverage and co-payment fees, including benefit grids and billing information, is available on the Interim Federal Health Program website and through Medavie Blue Cross.