Kwara raises health insurance premiums as medical costs surge

The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency, on Friday, announced an upward review of health insurance premiums for enrollees in the state, effective December 1, 2024.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

She explained that the decision, coming after seven years of the agency’s operation, was taken “to accommodate the rising costs of drugs, consumables, and provider payouts in order to continue providing high-quality healthcare services.”

Jetawo-Winter noted that the number of enrollees in the agency has risen to 70,000 in the last two months, partially due to inflation affecting the population.

“The new rates are as follows: for the informal sector, the premium is N15,500 per person per year (up from N6,000); for the formal sector, N18,000 per person per year (up from N9,000); family package (covering six members) for the informal sector, N75,000; and family package for the formal sector, N87,000.”

The executive secretary described the increase as a challenging decision for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the agency, “given the ongoing economic hardships facing many families, despite the results of actuarial reviews conducted.”

She clarified that the scheme needed to adjust its premiums to accommodate rising costs of drugs, consumables, and provider payouts to sustain high-quality healthcare services.

Dr Jetawo-Winter added that premium reviews are supposed to be conducted every three years, but Kwara State had not implemented a review in the seven years since the initial analysis that led to the launch of the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme.

She further explained that similar adjustments have already been implemented in most Nigerian states, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Citing existing premiums in neighbouring states, the Kogi State informal sector plan has been at a rate of ₦15,000 for the past four years, and Ondo State’s plan at N18,000 was also implemented years ago,” she noted.

“The NHIA recently raised all their drug and consumable tariffs and capitation for their providers. These tariffs are funded from the premiums paid by enrolled beneficiaries.”

“Kwara State is the last state to adjust tariffs nationwide, while other states continue to review even after increasing their premiums.”

“Why This Adjustment Matters?” Despite the premium increase, Kwara State Health Insurance remains one of the most affordable and reliable ways to access healthcare. By paying a flat premium, residents can avoid the financial stress of sourcing funds for unexpected medical expenses over the year, with the option to renew annually.

“The cost of purchasing drugs and consumables alone, even without a doctor’s consultation, has become equally challenging.”

The scheme guarantees access to healthcare services 365 days a year, covering registration, consultations, investigations, admissions, treatments, surgeries, drugs, and consumables, as outlined in the benefits package.

Even with these new premiums, the scheme remains heavily subsidised, allowing Kwara residents to enjoy significantly reduced healthcare costs compared to paying out-of-pocket for medical services.

The agency assured that the new rates would not affect existing policies; however, renewals from the commencement date onwards will attract the updated premiums.

The agency also acknowledged the challenges the adjustment may present, expressing confidence in its necessity to ensure sustainable, quality healthcare for all.

“The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency seeks your cooperation and understanding during this transition. We remain committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for every resident of Kwara,” she stated.