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 up across the country.
The policy eliminates the one-month waiting period for all National Health Insurance Scheme subscribers aged 70 and up (NHIS).
From 6 p.m. today, Monday, September 26, 2022, all elderly people aged 70 and up who register for the scheme will be able to visit accredited NHIS hospitals and have all of their health needs met, according to a statement issued by the NHIA on Tuesday, September 27.
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 inception nearly 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 measure is intended to prevent potential free riders from abusing the scheme.
The policy barred people aged 70 and up from receiving immediate healthcare after enrolling in the scheme. During the mandatory one-month waiting period for these elderly new enrollees [including Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pensioners], they must pay out-of-pocket in order to access healthcare until the 30-day waiting period expires.
Also read: NHIA Board Chair: NHIS online registration on track
In light of the peculiar circumstances in which the elderly find themselves, particularly with regard 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 up who enroll in the scheme will receive immediate healthcare and access to the full benefits package from NHIS-accredited health service providers.
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