The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal program that provides limited, temporary health coverage to refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and certain other groups. If you have IFHP coverage and live in Calgary, you can use it for some dental services through participating clinics. hellodent can help you search for providers and request an appointment.
What Is the IFHP in Calgary?
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) is a federal program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It provides limited, temporary health and dental coverage to specific groups, including resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and victims of human trafficking with a temporary resident permit. Claims are processed by the IFHP claims administrator. Coverage details and dollar limits are set by IRCC and can change.
Who May Be Eligible for IFHP Coverage
The IFHP is intended for people who are not yet eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance. You may be eligible if you fall into one of these groups:
- Resettled refugees and government-assisted refugees
- Privately sponsored refugees, in some cases
- Protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Refugee claimants
- Victims of human trafficking with a temporary resident permit
Eligibility is determined by IRCC. Your IFHP eligibility document tells you what type of coverage you have and how long it lasts. For full eligibility rules, check the Government of Canada website.
What Dental Care May Be Covered Under the IFHP
The IFHP may cover urgent and essential dental services. Coverage levels can depend on the type of IFHP eligibility you have. Coverage may include:
- Emergency exams and X-rays
- Treatment to relieve pain or treat infection
- Extractions
- Fillings, in some cases
- Other treatments your dentist may flag as essential
Some treatments may need to be pre-authorized by the IFHP claims administrator before they are covered. Coverage is generally more limited than the CDCP or private insurance, and dollar limits may apply per service or per coverage period.
How Much Does Dental Care Cost Under the IFHP in Calgary?
If your treatment is covered under the IFHP, the program pays the participating dentist directly. You usually do not pay out of pocket for covered treatments. If your treatment is not covered, you may need to pay the full amount yourself.
You can ask the clinic for an estimate before treatment so you know what will be covered and what may not. Costs in Calgary can also vary by location, with downtown clinics sometimes charging more due to higher overhead costs such as rent.
Where to Find IFHP Dental Providers in Calgary
Not all dentists choose to register with the IFHP claims system. To use your IFHP coverage, you can look for participating providers. Calgary has clinics across the city, and you can browse by neighbourhood:
- Central: Downtown, Beltline, Mission, Kensington
- Inner-East and Northeast: Bridgeland, Inglewood
- Northwest: Northwest Calgary
- Southwest: Marda Loop
You can use hellodent to search by location or address. Sort by rating or distance to compare options near you. Before booking, call the clinic to confirm they accept IFHP coverage and to ask what to bring to your visit.
How to Choose an IFHP Dental Provider in Calgary
Credentials
Every dentist practising in Alberta is registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the CDSA before booking. Whether a clinic accepts IFHP coverage is a separate clinic policy.
General Dentist or Specialist
Many IFHP-covered treatments can be performed by general dentists, including extractions, fillings, and emergency care. For more complicated procedures like oral surgery or periodontal treatment, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who works within that specialty only. Ask if the specialist also accepts IFHP coverage.
Questions to Ask
- Do you accept IFHP coverage for new patients?
- Do you offer the treatment I think I need?
- What documents do I need to bring to my first visit?
- Will I need to pay anything out of pocket for this visit?
Other Coverage Options for Newcomers in Calgary
Provincial Coverage
Once you become eligible for Alberta's provincial health plan, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), you can apply for it. Routine dental care is typically not covered by AHCIP. For most Alberta residents, dental care is paid out of pocket or through private insurance. Dental work done in a hospital may be covered.
CDCP Coverage
If you no longer qualify for IFHP and you do not have private dental insurance, you may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. To qualify for the CDCP, your household income must be under $90,000 per year and you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes who has filed a tax return. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website.
Community Dental Programs
Some community health centres and university dental clinics in Calgary offer reduced-cost dental services. If you need help finding low-cost options, your settlement agency or family doctor may be able to point you in the right direction.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
