Refugee care and billing

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.

Learn more on the Interim Federal Health Program website