The Head of Corporate Communications of the National Health Insurance Authority, Faustina Derry, has said that out-of-pocket payments or copayments for services covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a clear violation of the rights of the scheme’s members.
She reiterated the Authority’s commitment to ending illegal charges or out-of-pocket payments under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), often referred to as co-payment.
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9FM in Kumasi with Sir John, Madam Derry said the phenomenon, which has become pervasive, reduces public confidence in the Scheme despite its critical role in achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“We have just returned from some regions where we visited. Interviews with patients highlighted that their major concern with the NHIS is the out-of-pocket payments they are required to make. This is worrisome as it reduces confidence in the scheme,” she noted on April 8.
Madam Dery, who is in Ashanti Region to monitor operations of the Scheme, said that the problem has been attributed to low tariffs and the rapidity of payment and assured that the Authority is working on addressing this issue. “There are opportunities for people to correct this. We need to devise ways to clamp down on this,” she said.
She pointed out that the Authority has outlined several interventions that the NHIA was pursuing to address the illegality. The interventions included regular claim reimbursement and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure realistic tariffs. This whole issue of co-payment is extremely important to us, and we are aware that a significant amount of work has been done on it, with more ongoing to ensure this issue is addressed.
“A committee that would actually spearhead the work from our point of view has been instituted. We’re working on a mechanism that will provide funding more regularly, allowing service providers to be reimbursed as well. There’s some good news on the horizon. If that mechanism that we are thinking about is put in place, it will revolutionise this payment system because it will ensure that payments come more regularly,” she said.
She said the uncapping of the NHIS will benefit Ghanaians in various ways.
The Levy will now be found in the NHIA’s accounts and used to pay the claims from various service providers.
She commended President Mahama for this laudable policy.
She assured Ghanaians that the free dialysis program is still in operation and that the government will not cancel it but rather expand it to cover other chronic diseases.
