Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
Overview
The Government of Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) repays the cost of care to health-care providers, such as doctors, dentists, hospitals and pharmacies.
Refugees are classified in 3 categories:
- Sponsored by the government, family or organization – they enter Canada with Permanent Resident Status and should be eligible for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage if they are Alberta residents.
- Arrive in Canada first and then apply for refugee status with the Government of Canada – they are refugee claimants and not eligible for AHCIP. They need to apply for health insurance under the IFHP. If their refugee claim has been denied and they are appealing, they may still be covered by the IFHP.
- A Convention Refugee is someone whose refugee claim was approved. They are given a Notice of Decision from the Government of Canada and should be eligible for AHCIP coverage if they are Alberta residents.
Reimbursement for services
Reimbursement under the IFHP
To be reimbursed for services provided under the IFHP, health-care providers must:
- be registered Medavie Blue Cross providers
- determine client eligibility before providing services
- submit claims
Information for pharmacists
Prescription medications listed on the Alberta Drug Benefit List are covered for refugees under the IFHP.
Reimbursement instructions
The IFHP website has instructions on how to register, determine client eligibility and submit claims for reimbursement.
Related
- Government of Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program
- Refugee health care resource to assist physicians – College of Family Physicians of Canada
- Health care coverage for refugees
- Health services for refugees – Alberta Health Services resources