Calgary doctors, advocates warn new refugee health-care fees could limit access

Some health advocates and doctors are protesting a coming update for health-care fees for Canadian refugees. (File)

A panel of doctors and advocates in Calgary is raising concerns about upcoming changes to refugee health coverage, warning new fees could prevent some from getting basic care.

The discussion is set for Tuesday morning at Foothills Hospital, just weeks before the federal government introduces co-payments under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

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Starting May 1, refugees covered by the program will be required to pay $4 per prescription, along with 30 per cent of the cost for supplemental services such as mental health care, dental care and vision.

The IFHP has been in place since 1957, providing temporary health coverage to people who have just arrived in Canada and are not yet eligible for provincial insurance.

Panel members say many of those individuals arrive with untreated illnesses, injuries, and trauma after fleeing war or displacement — often with no income or access to private insurance.

They warn that even small out-of-pocket costs could lead some to delay or avoid care altogether.

The group points to research on cost-sharing in low-income populations, which shows that it can reduce access to treatment, leading to worsening health conditions, increased emergency room visits, and higher long-term costs.

Advocates are particularly concerned about mental health care, arguing a 30 per cent co-payment could effectively put counselling out of reach for many refugees dealing with trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

The federal government has described the change as a “modest co-payment model” aimed at reducing costs.

According to the parliamentary budget officer, the IFHP is projected to cost nearly $1 billion in 2025–26, rising to more than $1.5 billion by 2029–30. The report notes that introducing co-payments would lower overall program costs.

But critics argue those savings could be offset if patients delay treatment and require more expensive care later.

The panel is calling on Ottawa to reconsider the policy and instead focus on reducing backlogs in refugee claims, which can keep people on the program for years.

CTV News has reached out to the federal government for comment.