Ottawa, January 27, 2026 — As part of Budget 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the introduction of co-payments for certain supplemental health products and services covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
The IFHP provides temporary and limited health coverage for eligible individuals until they are enrolled in provincial or territorial health care systems. To address increasing demand and ensure long-term sustainability, co-payments will be implemented for supplemental benefits while maintaining full coverage for essential medical care.
Key Changes Effective May 1, 2026
Eligible IFHP beneficiaries will be responsible for:
- $4 per prescription filled or refilled under the IFHP
- 30% of the cost of other eligible supplemental services, including dental care, vision care, counselling, and assistive devices
Co-payments will be paid directly to health care providers at the time services or products are received. Basic health care services, such as doctor visits and hospital care, will continue to be fully covered with no co-payments required.
Guidance for Beneficiaries
Starting May 1, 2026, beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Use health care providers registered under the IFHP
- Confirm whether a co-payment applies before receiving services
- Verify the amount payable
- Retain receipts for all co-payments
An information toolkit and detailed billing guidance are available through the IFHP website and Medavie Blue Cross. These measures aim to keep supplemental health services accessible while ensuring the program remains financially sustainable for future beneficiaries.