OTTAWA — Over the past decade, more than $275 million was spent by the Immigration Department on medical care for rejected asylum seekers, according to newly released data.
The figures come from an order paper question filed in February by Conservative MP Burton Bailey, seeking information on Ottawa’s Interim Federal Health Program since 2016.
According to the data, costs for the program have skyrocketed over the past decade. In the 2016-17 fiscal year, a total of $10,130,132.63 was spent on medical care for refugee claimants who were later rejected, with $6.9 million on basic services, $41,407 on immigration medical exams, and $3.2 million on supplemental health services.
That compares to the $53,374,286.50 spent in FY 2024-25, representing a 427% increase. In that year, $32 million was spent on basic health services, $43,394 on immigration medical exams, and $22 million on supplemental services.
Basic coverage includes doctor visits, hospital trips, and laboratory services, while supplemental services cover items not normally included under provincial health insurance, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.
Requests for additional data
Requests by Bailey to obtain how many of those claimants had active removal orders were not included in the response, as the program’s database does not track that data.
Co-pay system coming soon
The Interim Federal Health Program is designed to cover medical costs of refugee claimants and remains in effect until the claimant receives provincial coverage or their claim is rejected. Enrollment is automatic once refugee status is claimed.
While the program is currently free, the federal government is introducing a new co-pay system that will charge beneficiaries $4 per prescription and 30% of fees incurred through supplemental and other health services. That co-pay system is set to come into effect on May 1.
Rising number of rejected claimants
According to the data, a total of 4,375 refugee claimants saw their applications rejected by the Immigration Department in 2016-17. That number increased steadily over the following decade, climbing to 10,736 in FY 2018-19 and peaking last year at 19,771. That represents a 352% increase.
