Interim Federal Health Program for Refugees: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Abstract

La santé des réfugiés continue d'être un sujet important dans les affaires domestiques et étrangères. Au Canada, le programme fédéral de santé intérimaire (PFSI) est responsable de fournir l'assurance maladie aux réfugiés. Depuis 2012, il y a eu une série de changements au PFSI. Étant donné l'état précaire du PFSI au cours des dernières années, il existe un certain nombre de défis qui y sont associés. Ce commentaire fournit un aperçu de l'histoire du PFSI, souligne les défis précis qui persistent dans le programme, et propose des solutions potentielles à ces défis.C o m m e n t a r y

A Critical Look at Refugee Healthcare in Canada

“…To cater to patients that are covered by the IFHP, healthcare professionals must first become registered providers under Medavie Blue Cross (MBC), an insurance company that administers governmental programs. At each visit, professionals must ensure that patients are covered by the IFHP by verifying documentation such as the Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility (IFHC) or a Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) (11). If this documentation is not provided or if patients have any private insurance that can cover even minimal costs associated with healthcare, they are considered ineligible for the IFHP and would have to pay for services out-ofpocket.…”

The history of refugee and newcomer health care in Canada

“…In 1957, Canada introduced legislation that would become the Interim Federal Health Plan (IFHP), which covered initial post-arrival medical care for refugees while they navigated the application frameworks required to receive provincial coverage. 5 The IFHP is still active today, and continues to provide financial assistance for critical health and social services such as medical and dental care, prescription coverage, and vision care. 6 The foundation of the IFHP was to provide medical care to refugees that was comparable to the care a Canadian would receive, recognizing that the maintenance of health was crucial for their successful integration into Canada.…”