Transcript THE IFH PROGRAM - Settlement At Work

THE INTERIM FEDERAL
HEALTH PROGRAM ( IFH )
Medical Services Branch CIC
February 20, 2007
Joy Baldwin
Manager IFH
Interim Federal Health Program
The objective of the IFHP is to provide
eligible clients with access health services
that will contribute to optimal health
outcomes in a fair, equitable
compassionate manner with the ultimate
goal of successful integration in to
Canadian society.
Interim Federal Health Program
IFH receives its mandate from an Order in
Council 1957.
The program provides coverage for
essential/emergency health care and
medications to bridge the gap for its clients
between their arrival in Canada until their
access to provincial health care.
Internal Audit (Oct.2005)
Recommendations of the 2004 internal
audit of the IFH control framework:
– need to update IFH program authority
– improve management framework and
create succession plan
– implement technological innovations
– Enhance program analysis and policy
capability
Changes to Governance
Structure 2006
Established governance structure
within the IFH program
Creation of a Management and
Accountability Committee within
CIC
Central Policy Committee within
CIC
Changes to Governance
Structure 2006
Placement of the program under the Program
Management and Control Directorate linking
operations more directly to senior management
policy makers
Established management and accountability
framework reporting to CIC’s Management and
Accountability Committee
Full participation in the activities of the Federal
Health Partnership sharing efforts, expertise and
best practices and reducing duplication of efforts by
the participating departments
Current Status
Expanding policy and operational capacity
– Hiring a program specialists to expand
research and analytical capacity and drive
policy decisions responsive to the current
needs and realities of our clients
– Hiring of a program supervisor who will be key
to establishing and maintaining an effective
communication network to provide greater
support to service providers, SPOs, NGOs
and local CIC offices (including training)
Current Pressures (1)
Increasing complexity of health
and psychosocial issues for
incoming refugee populations
Challenges ( related to health and
psycosocial needs) on resettlement
and integration infrastructures and
support systems are immense
Current Pressures (2)
Commitment to bring large protracted
refugee groups from high risk
environments to Canada, requiring
enhanced protocols and post-arrival
interventions in relatively short time
frames.
Main Priority
Expand policy and research capacity
to facilitate timely policy decisions that
are fiscally responsible and respond to
the current and expanding needs of
clients with the ultimate goal of
successful integration.
Program Priorities (1)
Strengthen international, national,
provincial/territorial and local
communication networks
Facilitate seamless health integration
Establish governance/accountability
framework
Enhance program analysis and policy
capability
Program Priorities (2)
Improve access to care.
Review and revise eligibility criteria
Conduct independent review of
coverage and fee schedules
Develop and implement multi-faceted
communication strategy (internally and
externally)
Current and Ongoing (1)
Revising fee structures to provincial rates
where possible
Ongoing efforts to remove barriers to care
e-mail [email protected]
direct contact with reluctant providers
work with organizations and companies
enhanced training and support to providers
electronic billing for medical/pharmaceutical
develop training plan to improve provider buy-in
Preparing high level policy issues for
elevation and decision
Current and Ongoing (2)
IFH now covering trafficked individuals for
120 day reflection period
Electronic adjudication of eligibility/preapprovals creating a completely paperless
file processing and storage system
On line billing/ invoicing/ payment for
dental claims with other areas in the
implementation phase
Consideration for Program
Evolution (1)
post landing comprehensive health
assessment (pilot with Karen
Refugees)
pre-departure care for high risk
populations (pilot- Africa, Karen
movement)
more flexible coverage for interpreters
psychological and trauma care
Consideration for Program
Evolution (2)
Coverage for prescribed OTCs
health prevention & promotion (Karen
early PH)
dental restoration
expanded care for the elderly
health broker services (integration with
primary care)
Strengthen and Build Partnerships
Work with Refugee branch to develop
synergy with their refugee programs
and ensure optimal health and
psychosocial client outcomes
Enhance communication with primary
care network and settlement
community
Strengthen communication and
develop partnerships with provincial
health care systems where possible
Next Steps
Short term goals
– improve communication of information
– remove barriers to care
– review and revise fee structures
– Move needed policy decisions forward
– establish and maintain consultative
network to influence needed changes
How you can help!
Discussion on main issues
and possible solutions.