Growing medical cost has caused significant increase in enrollment of Health Insurance Scheme – NHIA

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reported a significant increase in enrollment in Nigeria’s National Health Insurance Scheme, reaching 18.7 million. Analysts attribute this rise to the growing medical costs caused by inflation and the forex crisis, driving more Nigerians to seek affordable healthcare options.

Data shows that enrollment rates for health insurance at both national and state levels have increased substantially over the past year. From an estimated 16 million enrollees in various schemes across the country in Q4 2023, total national enrollment now stands at about 18.7 million, marking an increase of approximately 11 percent in less than a year.

The NHIA highlighted that this growth reflects the success of ongoing efforts and initiatives by various state government institutions in the health insurance sector. This enrollment figure has already exceeded the presidential target for the year by eight percent, demonstrating the NHIA’s capability to meet and surpass the 2027 target.

Previously, the coordinating minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced at the end of 2023 that 750,000 more Nigerians signed up for health insurance within the first 100 days of President Bola Tinubu’s administration

.Since the beginning of 2023, the NHIA, led by Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has implemented strategic measures to increase enrollment, aiming for universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030. Among various initiatives to improve collaboration with public and private sector partners, the NHIA has initiated a review of capitation fees paid to healthcare providers. These fixed payments are based on the estimated value of services to patients and are intended to incentivize higher quality services and attract more enrollees. A temporary rate has been agreed upon, with a revised rate pending announcement.

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