The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched the ‘80 Campaign’ alongside a series of financial and digital reforms aimed at expanding National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership and improving access to quality healthcare.
The campaign, under the slogan “From 70 to 80 – Let’s Cover More,” seeks to increase active NHIS membership from the current 70% to 80% by the end of 2026.
The initiative will focus on enrolling new members, retaining existing ones and ensuring that NHIS membership translates into access to quality healthcare.
As part of efforts to improve the sustainability of the Scheme and reflect the true cost of healthcare, the NHIA has commenced a 50% increase in NHIS service tariffs paid to healthcare providers.
The adjustment is being implemented in phases, with full implementation expected by October 2026.
The Authority, however, says the increase in tariffs will come with a stronger crackdown on illegal co-payments charged by healthcare facilities.
The NHIA has reiterated that there is no co-payment policy under the NHIS and is intensifying efforts to prevent facilities from charging members for services covered by the Scheme.
It says monthly provider payments are also being prioritised to ensure NHIS cardholders receive the services they are entitled to without unauthorised charges.
The Authority is further introducing the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC), a digital claims verification system designed to confirm patient attendance before claims are reimbursed.
The NHIA estimates that about 15% of current claims may be ineligible, resulting in annual losses of approximately GH₵400 million, with the figure potentially rising to GH₵1 billion without intervention.
The OTAC system is currently being piloted in the Ahafo and Western North regions ahead of a nationwide rollout.
Meanwhile, the NHIA has released GH₵35.1 million to 107 districts under the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme.
Launched in April 2026, the programme provides essential services including health screenings, maternal and child healthcare, and immunisations through CHPS compounds and health centres.
“The programme aims to promote healthier lifestyles and early diagnosis, helping to prevent diseases from becoming severe and costly to treat,” Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, said.
The NHIA has also officially released 13 staff members to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) after a one-year secondment.
The pioneer officers contributed to establishing the Fund’s operations during its formative stage.
Dr Bampoe commended the staff for their dedication to advancing healthcare delivery.
The NHIA says the combined measures are part of its broader strategy to expand insurance coverage, improve financial efficiency and advance Ghana’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
