The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a 120% increase in healthcare tariffs, set to take effect in the first quarter of 2026, as part of comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare financing and improving service delivery across Ghana.
The announcement was made by the Ag. Central Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority, Mr. Kojo Koi Thompson, during his Christmas and New Year message to stakeholders through the media.
Mr.Koi Thompson explained that while the overall tariff review stands at 180%, the effective increase in claims reimbursement will be 120%. He attributed the adjustment to the removal of the cap on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), a move he said has significantly boosted funding for the health sector.
“The National Health Insurance Fund had been capped, but thanks to His Excellency, the President, John Dramani Mahama, the NHIF has been uncapped this year. This single intervention has brought in an additional GH¢3.4 billion,” he disclosed.
According to Mr. Koi Thompson, the additional funding is expected to transform healthcare delivery in the country by enabling the NHIA to implement the revised tariffs, roll out the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, and make contributions to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support persons living with chronic diseases.
Addressing the persistent challenge of illegal payments, commonly known as co-payments, at some health facilities, Mr. Koi Thompson said the Authority is intensifying its monitoring and enforcement efforts to eliminate the practice. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the new tariff structure would significantly reduce, and eventually eliminate, illegal charges in health facilities.
“I look forward to the day we begin using the new tariff. I believe its implementation will finally help address the issue of co-payments,” he stated.
On the payment of claims to service providers, Mr. Koi Thompson disclosed that the NHIA has settled all outstanding claims and currently has no arrears, except for providers who may have delayed the submission of their claims.
He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in the Central Region for their support throughout the year and called for even stronger collaboration in the coming year and beyond to advance the objectives of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He also commended the media for their vital role in public education and information dissemination, noting that their efforts have contributed significantly to increased enrollment unto the NHIS.
Mr. Koi Thompson assured the media of the NHIA’s readiness to deepen collaboration in the coming year to further enhance public awareness and access to quality healthcare.
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Source: Alhaji Ibrahim/ATLFMNEWS
