Recent changes to Interim Federal Health Program coverage

What changed on July 31

The updated IFHP basic coverage grid includes changes involving home oxygen and respiratory equipment, specialized feeding equipment, implantable hearing devices, long-term care facility services and inpatient rehabilitation services.

Moving an eligible item to basic coverage generally removes the 30% supplemental-benefit co-payment. It does not mean that every product or service is automatically approved for every person.

Prior approval may still be required

The benefit grids set out prescription, provider, frequency, dollar-limit and prior-approval rules. A health-care provider should confirm coverage with the IFHP administrator before arranging a high-cost service or device.

What beneficiaries should do

• Show a valid IFHP eligibility document to the provider.
• Ask the provider to confirm the specific benefit code and approval requirements.
• Do not assume that an amount paid privately will automatically be reimbursed.
• Use the current benefit grid, because older grids may show different coverage.

Important distinction

Basic, supplemental, prescription and immigration medical examination coverage follow different rules. This summary highlights the July 31 update; the current benefit grid remains the controlling reference for a particular service.