In a move aimed at resolving ongoing disputes regarding delayed claim reimbursements, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that it has started processing payments for arrears owed to private healthcare providers.
The NHIA’s intervention comes after the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) suspended services for NHIS cardholders due to frustrations over the persistent delays in payment.
The suspension, which was announced on April 4, 2025, sparked concerns about the potential disruption in healthcare access for thousands of NHIS members who rely on private facilities for treatment.
In response, the NHIA issued a statement on April 5, 2025, reassuring the public and healthcare providers that the situation was being actively addressed.
“Modalities for the payment of outstanding claims have been fully concluded, and disbursement has commenced since Friday, 4th April 2025,” the statement said.
Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, acknowledged the legitimate concerns raised by PHFAoG and explained that measures were already in place to ensure prompt reimbursement. “We understand the challenges that have been faced by private healthcare providers due to these delays, and we are working tirelessly to resolve the matter. Payments are being processed and will reflect in the affected providers’ accounts within the coming days,” Dr. Bampoe stated.
“We are focused on continuing to work with all service providers while ensuring the sustainability of the scheme,” he stated.
In a further plea to the PHFAoG, the NHIA appealed for the suspension to be lifted, emphasizing the potential harm to patients who could lose access to essential health services. “We urge the PHFAoG to reconsider its decision and allow services to resume for the benefit of NHIS members. The NHIA is fully committed to engaging with all stakeholders and ensuring that the necessary improvements are made,” he added.
The NHIA’s assurance comes as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the relationship between public and private health providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The authority has emphasized that open communication and collaboration are essential in resolving any challenges to the scheme’s sustainability and effectiveness.
As the NHIA continues to process the overdue claims, stakeholders are hopeful that the renewed commitment to addressing payment delays will help restore confidence in the NHIS system, ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services across the country.
