NHIS: Tariffs increased by 27%

The Deputy Director of Communications of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Selorm Adonoo, has indicated that the proposed 27% upward adjustment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) tariffs is aimed to cushion the authority against increments in prices of drugs and costs of services.

Effective 1st March 2016, there will be a 24% increase in the price of medication while services will be increased by 27% under the NHIS.

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) has increased tariffs which will be paid to service providers so that subscribers who go to hospitals can access health without being asked to pay additional fees,” Mr Adonoo told Ekow Mensah-Shalders on the Executive Breakfast Show on Tuesday 23rd February, 2016.

Some service providers for some months now have passed the difference in the increased cost of drugs and services to patients who visit health facilities.

Some of the providers in times past have complained about the fees paid to them which they say was inconsistent with price variations when they go to procure supplies from the market. The last time the authority witnessed any tariff adjustments was in 2014.

Mr Adonoo also noted that it was important for the scheme to undertake a review to address some of the lapses encountered over the years.

“It is the more reason why we are undergoing a review through a committee set up by the president so I think regarding the way forward, premiums will have to be given a holistic view and a more lasting solution provided to deal with it,” he added.