NHIA Pays GH¢210.36m to Healthcare Providers, Warns Against Illegal Charges to NHIS Members
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has paid GH¢210.36 million to healthcare providers across the country for services rendered to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members in October 2026, while warning facilities against imposing unauthorised charges on subscribers.
The latest payment brings the Authority’s total claims disbursement for the year to GH¢2.325 billion, reflecting its efforts to improve reimbursement timelines, support healthcare providers and strengthen the delivery of services under the Scheme.
In the October disbursement of GH¢210,359,997.55, public healthcare facilities received GH¢114.52 million, representing 54.44 per cent of the total amount. Private facilities received GH¢64.46 million (30.64 per cent), while mission facilities received GH¢31.38 million (14.92 per cent).
The payments are expected to help healthcare facilities replenish essential medicines and medical supplies, meet operational costs and maintain quality healthcare services for NHIS members.
However, the NHIA has expressed concern over reports that some credentialed facilities continue to demand additional payments from members for services, medicines and procedures covered under the NHIS Benefit Package.
The Authority has consequently warned providers to stop the practice, stressing that members must not be made to pay out of pocket for services for which the Scheme is responsible.
It noted that claims were being processed and payments released regularly, adding that it had also undertaken significant upward adjustments to NHIS tariffs, including an increase of approximately 50 per cent, to improve reimbursement rates and address providers’ concerns about the cost of delivering healthcare.
The NHIA said it was unacceptable for facilities to use inadequate tariffs, delayed payments or operational difficulties as justification for imposing unauthorised charges on subscribers.
It warned that providers found engaging in such practices would face sanctions under its regulatory and contractual arrangements. These could include recovery of illegal charges, suspension or termination of credentialing, and referral to relevant regulatory or law enforcement agencies where necessary.
The Authority has also urged NHIS members to speak up whenever they are asked to pay unauthorised fees for covered services and encouraged to seek clarification from the facility and report the matter through the NHIA’s complaint and customer service channels for investigation and appropriate redress.
It said it would continue to strengthen claims management, improve payment timelines and intensify monitoring, public education and enforcement to protect members’ rights and restore public confidence in the Scheme.
The Authority emphasised that the purpose of the NHIS was to protect Ghanaians from the financial burden of accessing healthcare, and that providers were expected to honour their contractual obligations by ensuring members received the full benefits of their coverage.
For enquiries and complaints, members may contact the NHIA Call Centre on 054 444 6447, 0302 746 447 or the short code 6447 on MTN and Telecel. They may also reach the Authority via WhatsApp on 0501 169 8778.
Grace Acheampong, ISD
