M3B 0A7 1396 Donmills Road

Announcement

Important Update for IFHP Patients

As of May 1, 2026, IFHP patients are responsible for a 30% co-payment, while 70% remains covered through Medavie Blue Cross.

Note:

If you’ve filed your taxes, you may also apply for CDCP as secondary coverage. We strongly encourage you to apply early when the portal reopens on June 2, 2026

Our team at FR Dentistry is here to help you understand your benefits and apply seemlessly. Contact us today!

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

Accessing dental care as a newcomer to Canada shouldn’t be stressful or uncertain. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage, including emergency dental care, for eligible refugees and protected persons who are not yet enrolled in a provincial health plan. At FR Dentistry on Don Mills, we proudly accept IFHP patients and are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care to newcomers and refugee communities. Our team is here to make the process simple, clear, and welcoming.

Important Update – Effective May 1, 2026: IFHP dental coverage has changed. Eligible patients now contribute a 30% co-payment for dental services, with 70% covered by the program through Medavie Blue Cross. Additionally, some IFHP patients may now also qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which can provide additional coverage alongside your IFHP benefits. The CDCP application portal reopens June 2, 2026. Apply as early as possible to secure your coverage. Our team at FR Dentistry is here to help you understand what this means for you.

What Is the Interim Federal Health Program?

The Interim Federal Health Program is a federally funded program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It provides limited and temporary health care coverage, including urgent dental care, for eligible individuals who are not yet covered by a provincial or territorial health insurance plan such as OHIP.

Rather than providing care directly, the IFHP works with registered health care providers, including dentists, who bill the program through Medavie Blue Cross. Coverage is time-limited and based on immigration or protection status.

Whether you are a government-assisted refugee, an asylum claimant, or a protected person, the IFHP ensures you can access essential dental care while you settle into life in Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the IFHP?

Eligibility for the IFHP is based on immigration or protection status, not income, and is determined by IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You may qualify if you are:

  • A resettled refugee (government-assisted or privately sponsored)
  • A refugee claimant (asylum seeker) with a pending claim
  • A protected person granted refugee protection status
  • A victim of human trafficking or another defined eligible group

If you are unsure whether you qualify, our team at FR Dentistry on Don Mills can help guide you and verify your coverage before your appointment.

IFHP Requirements

To receive dental coverage under the IFHP, patients must meet the following criteria:

  1. Eligible Immigration or Protection Status Your eligibility is determined by IRCC or CBSA based on your refugee or protected persons status. An application is not typically required. Coverage begins on the day your IRCC documents are issued.
  2. Valid IFHP Eligibility Document You must present an official document from IRCC confirming your IFHP coverage. Accepted documents include an Acknowledgement of Claim, a Refugee Protection Claimant Document, or a coverage letter.
  3. Registered Provider You must receive care from a dental provider registered with the IFHP claims administrator, Medavie Blue Cross. FR Dentistry on Don Mills is a registered IFHP provider.
  4. Urgent or Medically Necessary Treatment IFHP dental coverage focuses on urgent and essential care: treatment needed to relieve pain, treat active infection, or address dental trauma. Some procedures require prior approval before treatment begins.
  5. Co-Payment Requirement (New as of May 1, 2026) As of May 1, 2026, patients are required to pay 30% of the cost of eligible dental services at the time of their visit. The remaining 70% is billed directly to Medavie Blue Cross by our clinic on your behalf. Please ask our team for a cost estimate before your treatment begins.

IFHP + CDCP: Double Your Coverage

This is important news for IFHP patients.

As of 2026, eligible IFHP patients may also qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a separate federal program that can provide additional dental coverage alongside your IFHP benefits.

When both programs apply, the IFHP acts as the first payer, and the CDCP may help cover remaining eligible costs, potentially reducing or eliminating your out-of-pocket expenses.

CDCP Application Portal Reopens June 2, 2026

The CDCP application portal reopens on June 2, 2026. We strongly encourage all eligible patients to apply as early as possible, as coverage levels are based on household income and enrollment is required before benefits can be used.

To be eligible for the CDCP, you must:

  • Not have access to private dental insurance
  • Be a Canadian resident
  • Have filed a yearly income tax return
  • Meet the federal household income requirements
  • Apply and be approved through the official CDCP portal

Our team at FR Dentistry on Don Mills is happy to answer questions about both programs and help you understand how they work together.

IFHP Dental Coverage at FR Dentistry on Don Mills

We are proud to support the IFHP program and serve patients across Don Mills, North York, Flemingdon Park, and surrounding communities with accessible, high-quality emergency dental care.

Whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, tooth pain, or an active infection, FR Dentistry offers essential dental services tailored to your needs, and we will help you navigate your IFHP and CDCP coverage with ease.

Benefits of the Interim Federal Health Program

Covered Urgent Dental Care

The IFHP covers essential dental services including:

  • Emergency relief of pain and infection
  • Extractions (simple and surgical)
  • Fillings for teeth that can be restored
  • Dental trauma treatment
  • Dentures (where medically necessary)
  • Procedures requiring prior authorization (submitted by our clinic on your behalf)

Note: Routine care such as cleanings, check-ups, and cosmetic treatments is not covered.

 

Updated Coverage (Effective May 1, 2026)

The IFHP now covers 70% of eligible dental service costs, with patients responsible for a 30% co-payment paid directly to the provider. Our team will always review estimated costs with you before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

 

Direct Billing: No Upfront Payment for the Full Amount

FR Dentistry submits claims directly to Medavie Blue Cross on your behalf. You are only responsible for your 30% co-payment at the time of your visit.

 

Potential to Stack with CDCP Benefits

If you also qualify for the CDCP, the two programs can work together to cover more of your dental costs. Ask our team whether you may be eligible for both.

 

Newcomer-Friendly Care

Our multilingual team understands the unique challenges newcomers face and is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful environment for all patients, regardless of background or immigration status.

Get Started at FR Dentistry on Don Mills Today

Serving smiles, one at a time. 

Don’t wait. If your IFHP coverage has changed, or if you think you may qualify for the CDCP when the portal reopens on June 2, 2026, speak with our team today. We’ll help you understand your options and make the most of your available coverage.

How the IFHP Works at FR Dentistry

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Ensure you have a valid IFHP eligibility document issued by IRCC or CBSA. Coverage begins on the date your documents are issued.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment Contact FR Dentistry on Don Mills and let us know you are an IFHP patient. We will confirm that the services you need are covered and provide a cost estimate before your visit.

Step 3: Present Your IFHP Documents Bring your IFHP eligibility document to your appointment. Our front desk team will verify your coverage and handle all paperwork.

Step 4: Receive Your Treatment Our dentists will assess and treat your urgent dental needs. For procedures requiring prior authorization, we will submit the request to Medavie Blue Cross on your behalf.

Step 5: Pay Your Co-Payment & We Handle the Rest You pay your 30% co-payment at the time of your visit. We submit the remaining 70% claim directly to Medavie Blue Cross. No reimbursement process needed on your end.

Step 6: Ask About the CDCP If you may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, our team will walk you through the requirements. The application portal reopens June 2, 2026. Applying early ensures you don’t miss out on additional coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has IFHP dental coverage changed in 2026?
Yes. As of May 1, 2026, patients pay a 30% co-payment for eligible dental services. The IFHP covers the remaining 70%, billed directly to Medavie Blue Cross by our clinic.
Potentially, yes. If you qualify for both programs, the IFHP acts as the first payer, and the CDCP may cover additional eligible costs. Speak with our team to find out if you qualify for both.
The CDCP portal reopens on June 2, 2026. We encourage all eligible patients to apply as early as possible.
 Yes. We submit IFHP claims directly to Medavie Blue Cross. You only pay your co-payment at the time of your visit.
Bring your IFHP eligibility document issued by IRCC or CBSA (e.g., Acknowledgement of Claim, coverage letter). Our front desk team will take care of the rest.