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Delay in NHIS claims payment affects providers

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Insurance Service Providers Association of Ghana (HISPAG), Mr Frank Richard Torblu, has said the persistent delay in the payment of claims to service providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is having serious adverse effects on the finances of the providers.

 

He said if not checked, the practice could lead to the collapse of some facilities, especially the private ones.

Mr Torblu, who expressed the concern when he addressed the Ashanti Regional branch of HISPAG in Kumasi yesterday, said the delay in payment had resulted in most facilities, especially the private ones, having to take loans with interest before they could operate.

The meeting brought together most health insurance service providers to brainstorm on issues confronting their operations.

Mr Torblu appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure that claims were paid within the regulated period of four weeks, as per NHIS regulations.

“Since the issue of the delay in the payment of claims is a big one, HISPAG will demand interest on their claims if the delay goes beyond four weeks,” he said, adding that that would ensure that the NHIA would expedite action in the handling and processing of claims to service providers.

He also appealed for the establishment of an independent authority that would be responsible for the accreditation of health facilities, since the current situation and the way of accrediting service providers were contrary to the laws guiding accreditation.

Mr Torblu appealed to the NHIA to adjust the capitation rate of GH¢2.27 to GH¢18.50, since the current rate was not realistic and did not match up with the current economic situation in the country.

The Director of Operations of HISPAG, Mr Anthony Ameka, said the association was aimed at creating a common front for all service providers, as well as being their mouthpiece to fight for their rights.

He called for unity among all members and urged service providers in the country to come together towards a common goal.

 

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