Changes to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) are set to take effect at the end of the month and will reduce health-care coverage for refugees relocating to Canada.
Brian Jackson, executive director of the St. Albert and Sturgeon Primary Care Network (PCN) said the network doesn’t see many refugees, but said it is important to have medical necessities covered for all.
“Going and asking for something and having it paid for, or requiring something to keep your health status secure and having it paid for [are] two very different things,” he said.
Jackson said optional treatments like a dental crown should be paid for by the beneficiary, while necessary treatments like chemotherapy should be covered.
“It’s a balancing what’s wanted rather than what’s needed,” he said.
The IFHP provides temporary insurance to refugees and their dependants who are not yet eligible for provincial health-care programs.
The coverage currently includes basic health care – equal to that of provincial benefit programs – and supplemental health care for vision, dental and drugs. The changes will eliminate supplemental health care, resulting in basic coverage.
Jackson said there is a minimal population of refugees in the area, but added they are more vulnerable to language barriers, societal issues and cultural differences.
In order for individuals to access a PCN, they must be attached to a family physician, which would be difficult for individuals claiming refugee status.
Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said in April, following the release of the 2012 federal budget, that the program would change to meet the country’s economic needs.
“Canadians are a very generous people and Canada has a generous immigration system,” he said in a media release. “However, we do not want to ask Canadians to pay for benefits for protected persons and refugee claimants that are more generous than what they are entitled to themselves.”
The funding changes will affect current and future beneficiaries. Come June 30, an individual’s medications and immunizations will be covered only if it poses a threat to public safety.
In the 2010-11 fiscal year, the program cost taxpayers $84.6 million. The government estimates the coverage reduction will save taxpayers $100 million over the next five years.
A rally held last week in downtown Edmonton attracted a crowd of roughly 125 people opposed to the cuts.
“It was a really good turnout,” said Dallas Dyson, community liaison coordinator with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. “The best part of the turnout was just bringing together physicians, nurses and a large contingency from community organizations.”
Current coverage for refugees is equivalent to coverage offered to those on social assistance.
Refugees and individuals relocating to the province are subject to a waiting period before being covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) partnered with the Canadian Medical Association to advocate to Alberta’s health minister for the continuation of coverage for refugees.
