As of May 1, 2026, refugees in Canada will face new out-of-pocket expenses for various medical services under the Interim Federal Health Program. They will now pay $4 for each prescription and 30% of the cost for supplemental health products and services, which has raised alarm among healthcare professionals. Organizations such as the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Psychiatric Association argue that many refugees, already living in poverty, will struggle to afford these co-payments, potentially leading to deteriorating health and increased reliance on emergency services. Dr. Vanessa Redditt, a family physician at Women’s College Hospital’s refugee clinic in Toronto, emphasized that this change represents a denial of care for vulnerable individuals who may already be dealing with severe trauma. Dr. Parisa Rezaiefar from the Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre highlighted the importance of timely medical care for refugees to aid their integration into the community. The federal government has justified the introduction of these co-payments as a necessary cost-saving measure.