Starting May 1st, the government is introducing co-payments for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Under the changes, individuals will have to pay $4 for each prescription filled or refilled and cover 30% of the cost of supplemental health benefits such as dental and vision care and mental health counselling.

Co-payments deny access to care, especially for individuals who have been forced to flee traumatic situations and may have complex health needs due to conflict, persecution and violence. As refugees face significant barriers in accessing work, these costs are unfair.

When refugees are unable to afford medications and essential healthcare, their conditions will deteriorate and they will be forced to go to already-strained emergency rooms. This is much more expensive for the government than preventative care.