In line with the government’s goal of accelerating the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and bridging the access inequity gap, the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) Governing Board and Management have announced the implementation of instant healthcare for all people aged 70 and above across the country.
The policy eliminates the one-month waiting time for all National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) subscribers aged 70 and above.
From 6 p.m. today, Monday, September 26, 2022, all elderly people aged 70 and above who register for the program will be able to visit authorized NHIS hospitals and have all of their health requirements met, according to a statement published by the NHIA on Tuesday, September 27.
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The Government of Ghana has made significant progress toward its goal of universal health care since the establishment of the NHIS in 2003 to promote access to equitable and quality healthcare for all residents (citizens and non-citizens) through innovations to expand the scheme’s operations while ensuring its financial sustainability.
Since its establishment over 19 years ago, the scheme has required a one-month waiting period for all categories of members, with the exception of pregnant women and children under the age of five. This precaution is intended to prevent possible free riders from abusing the program.
The policy affected persons who are aged 70 years and above from accessing instant healthcare on enrolling onto the scheme. During the necessary one-month waiting time for these elderly new participants [including Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pensioners], they must pay out-of-pocket in order to get healthcare until the 30-day waiting period ends.
In light of the peculiar circumstances in which the elderly find themselves, especially when it comes to health issues, the Dr. Okoe Boye-led NHIA, with inspiration from His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, through the honorable Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, exempts all persons aged 70 years and above from the one-month waiting period on enrollment into the scheme, with effect from Monday, September 26, 2022. Individuals aged 70 and above who enlist in the plan will receive immediate healthcare and access to the entire benefits package from NHIS authorized health service providers.
Read Full Statement Below:
SOURCE: 3NEWS
