Paul Effah1, Kingsley Opoku Appiah2, Patience Aseweh Abor3. 1. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Juaboso District Office of the National Health Insurance Authority, Sefwi Juaboso, Western Region, Ghana. 2. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK; Department of Accounting and Finance, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Electronic address: koappiah.ksb@knust.edu.gh. 3. Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana. METHODS: Using a thorough case study of the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA, this study assessed the community coverage rate, the annual expenditure and income, and the trend of claims payment for the period 2009 to 2012 as well as factors influencing the level of patronage of the National Health Insurance Scheme. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the management of the scheme. Secondary data were also gathered from the scheme's audited financial statements. Informal discussions were held with the premium collectors and clients to throw more light on revenue generation challenges. RESULTS: The study found an increasing trend in the coverage rate on a yearly basis. Over the study period, the rate moved from 30.6 to 60.1, representing an increase of 96.7%. This shows that in terms of coverage rate, the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA is performing very well. The study also found that revenue has increased but the percentage rate of increase has decreased, compared with the coverage percentage rate. Expenditure has been on the rise, increasing by as much as 20.7% in 2011. Again, the study revealed a consistent year-on-year increase in the claims payment, consistent with the national trend. CONCLUSIONS: Constant clinical auditing of claims payments is required to ensure accountability. This would lead to transparency with regard to performance assessment of the claims. The findings have important implications for the effective management of the NHIA. Copyright Â
OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana. METHODS: Using a thorough case study of the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA, this study assessed the community coverage rate, the annual expenditure and income, and the trend of claims payment for the period 2009 to 2012 as well as factors influencing the level of patronage of the National Health Insurance Scheme. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the management of the scheme. Secondary data were also gathered from the scheme's audited financial statements. Informal discussions were held with the premium collectors and clients to throw more light on revenue generation challenges. RESULTS: The study found an increasing trend in the coverage rate on a yearly basis. Over the study period, the rate moved from 30.6 to 60.1, representing an increase of 96.7%. This shows that in terms of coverage rate, the Juaboso District Office of the NHIA is performing very well. The study also found that revenue has increased but the percentage rate of increase has decreased, compared with the coverage percentage rate. Expenditure has been on the rise, increasing by as much as 20.7% in 2011. Again, the study revealed a consistent year-on-year increase in the claims payment, consistent with the national trend. CONCLUSIONS: Constant clinical auditing of claims payments is required to ensure accountability. This would lead to transparency with regard to performance assessment of the claims. The findings have important implications for the effective management of the NHIA. Copyright Â