Thousands of failed refugee claimants may be eligible to keep federal health benefits, new report finds
A new report indicates that thousands of failed refugee claimants may still qualify for federal health benefits, including dental care and counseling. The Interim Federal Health Program's costs have surged, reaching $822 million in 2024-25, largely due to case backlogs and increased healthcare expenses. Critics argue that the program has become a long-term entitlement rather than a temporary solution for vulnerable refugees.
- ▪The report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer found that nearly 74,000 failed refugee claimants may remain eligible for health coverage.
- ▪Dental care spending under the program increased significantly, rising to $257 million from $30 million over five years.
- ▪The government has implemented changes requiring refugee claimants to pay co-payments for certain health services to reduce costs.
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Open this photo in gallery:Asylum seekers line up to enter Olympic Stadium Friday, August 4, 2017 near Montreal, Quebec. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul ChiassonPaul Chiasson/The Canadian PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThousands of refugee claimants who have had their cases rejected and are facing deportation may remain eligible for publicly funded health benefits, including dental coverage and counselling, according to a new report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
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