National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) logo
Exempting senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums in Ghana is important for several reasons:
Financial Relief: Many senior citizens in Ghana may be living on fixed incomes or pensions, making it difficult for them to afford health insurance premiums. Exempting them from these payments would provide much-needed financial relief and ensure that they can access healthcare services without facing financial barriers.
Health Equity: Older adults often have higher healthcare needs due to age-related conditions and chronic illnesses. Exempting them from health insurance premiums helps to promote health equity by ensuring that they have equal access to necessary healthcare services, regardless of their financial situation.
Social Protection: Senior citizens are a vulnerable population in Ghana, and providing them with free access to healthcare services through the NHIS can help to protect them from the financial burden of medical expenses. This policy can contribute to social protection and improve the overall well-being of older adults in the country.
Public Health Impact: Ensuring that senior citizens have access to healthcare services can have broader public health benefits. By addressing the healthcare needs of older adults, the government can help prevent the progression of diseases, reduce hospitalisations, and improve overall health outcomes for this population.
Respect for Elders: Exempting senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums reflects a cultural value of respect for elders in Ghana. This policy demonstrates a commitment to honoring and supporting older adults in the country by prioritising their healthcare needs and well-being.
Consequently, exempting senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums in Ghana is an important policy measure that can help to improve access to healthcare services, promote health equity, provide financial relief, and demonstrate respect for older adults in the country.
It is against this background that former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, has promised to amend Section 29(h) of the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) to enable all persons aged sixty and above to be exempt from premium payment under NHIS if elected as the next president of the Republic of Ghana.
This promise by Mahama is aimed at providing financial relief to elderly citizens in Ghana who may struggle to afford health insurance premiums.
By exempting individuals aged sixty and above from premium payments under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mahama hopes to ensure that this vulnerable population has access to necessary healthcare services without facing financial barriers.
Amending Section 29(h) of the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) would require legislative action, but if Mahama is elected as president, he would likely work with the relevant stakeholders to make this change a reality. This policy proposal aligns with his broader commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability for all Ghanaians.
Mahama's promise reflects his prioritisation of the healthcare needs of elderly citizens and his willingness to take steps to address their specific challenges.
