The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced the disbursement of GH¢180 million to various healthcare providers across Ghana. This significant sum primarily covers payments for claims submitted under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and vetted up to December of the previous year.
According to Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the CEO of NHIA, this disbursement demonstrates the authority’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare providers receive timely payments for services rendered. Dr. Aboagye emphasized that the NHIS remains on track and is not in arrears, as payments have been made within the accepted 90-day window for vetted claims.
Providing a breakdown of the disbursement, the NHIA revealed that the payments include GH¢10.57 million for claims from January to July of the previous year, submitted on March 19, 2024. Additionally, GH¢9 million represents claims paid for August of the same year, also submitted on March 19, 2024. Further payments for the previous year, totaling GH¢158.14 million, cover claims for September through December, all submitted on March 19, 2024.
In addition to the payments for the previous year, the NHIA has also disbursed GH¢2.25 million in arrears for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 as part of the NHIS Benefit Package.
The NHIS Benefit Package encompasses over 95% of disease conditions affecting residents and is supported by an extensive list of medicines to address covered diseases. Management of the scheme assures the public of its dedication to ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to all its members.
“The NHIS Benefit Package covers over 95 percent of disease conditions that afflict residents and is supported with over 550 formulations on the NHIS medicines list to take care of all the diseases covered under the scheme,” the statement said.
“Management of the scheme assures the public of its commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is delivered to all its members,” it added.
In response to recent economic challenges, the NHIA, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is conducting a comprehensive review of NHIS medicines tariffs to make appropriate adjustments and ensure the viability of healthcare providers participating in the scheme. Additionally, efforts are underway to combat illegal fees and extortions from NHIS members at some healthcare facilities through increased public education, promotion of entitlements, and community engagements.
“We entreat all NHIS members to report any incidents of illegal charges or extortions to your local NHIS District Office, the Call Centre on 6447 (MTN &Vodafone), or via our official social media handles (NHIS Ghana) for redress,” the statement said.
The NHIA urges NHIS members to report any incidents of illegal charges or extortion and encourages the public to utilize the MyNHIS App or dial *929# for membership registration and renewal. These initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and accountability within the NHIS and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all Ghanaians.