Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal government program that provides temporary health coverage to certain groups of people in Canada who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. This includes refugee claimants, protected persons, resettled refugees, and some other vulnerable newcomers. The program is administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IFHP coverage includes a range of health services that vary depending on the person's immigration category and benefit level. Hearing aids and audiological services are covered for eligible IFHP clients when prescribed by a registered audiologist. Coverage is generally limited to basic hearing aids and essential audiological assessment. The program is intended as a bridge to provincial coverage, which IFHP clients become eligible for once they meet provincial residency requirements.
In Ontario, an IFHP client who is also eligible for ODSP may have IFHP considered first, with ODSP as secondary coverage. Audiologists billing under IFHP must register with Medavie Blue Cross and use the program's specific billing and authorization procedures. Coverage amounts and product eligibility may differ from the Assistive Devices Program.
