Public sensitized on health insurance capitation

The Jirapa/Lambussie District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme has started sensitizing the public on capitation in health insurance as a way of keeping the public well informed ahead of the implementation of the new initiative in the district.

The capitation initiative, which is being introduced by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is being piloted in the Ashanti Region and would soon be extended nationwide.

The public sensitization forms part of the activities marking the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Explaining what capitation was all about, Mr. Bomba-Ire Martin Domotiere, the District Scheme Manager said it was money allocated per person for a period of time for the person to access health care.

He said the amount was usually calculated based on prior research into utilization rates and cost projected over a period of time which was also subject to periodic reviews and adjustments.

Mr. Domotiere said the calculated and agreed amount of money would be paid in advance to the primary care service providers per client per six months, adding that a subscriber would be required to select Preferred Primary care Provider (PPP).

He mentioned simplification of claims processing, competition among service providers, improved efficiency through rational use of resources and shared financial risk among Schemes providers and subscribers as some of the benefits of the capitation.

Dr. Richard Wodah-Seme, Medical Director of the Jirapa St. Joseph Hospital, lauded the capitation initiative and called for broader consultations among all stakeholders to enable it stand the test of time.

Madam Phoebe Balagumyetime, the Jirapa District Director of Health Services, called for stronger collaboration among health providers, the beneficiaries and the Scheme to enhance free flow of information.

Students of Jirapa Community, Jirapa Midwifery and Jirapa Nurses Training Colleges as well as staff of the Jirapa St. Joseph Hospital joined staff of the Scheme in a health walk to mark the celebration of the day.

There was also free health screening services for the public to check their blood pressure, Hepatitis B and HIV status.
Source: GNA