Interim Federal Health Program: Refugee Claimants

Temporary Health Care Dept: Ottawa announced changes to the Interim Federal Health Program, which provides temporary health care for protected persons, refugee claimants and other groups not eligible for provincial health insurance, this past spring, according to CTV. The federal government said it hoped the changes would deter phoney refugee claims and ensure that failed asylum seekers don't take advantage of free health care in Canada and the opposition parties called on the Conservative government to reverse its decision to trim back refugee health care benefits after it was revealed that a Saskatchewan man diagnosed with cancer was denied chemotherapy treatment. Under those changes, some refugee claimants saw cuts to their drug, dental and vision coverage. Additionally, those whose refugee claims are rejected will only receive medical care if their condition is deemed a risk to public health or safety. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.