Lagos makes health insurance compulsory, offers Ilera Eko at N15,000

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi

The Lagos State Government has reiterated that health insurance is mandatory for residents, with its subsidised Ilera Eko scheme costing N15,000 annually for an individual.

Lagos Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the policy was aimed at expanding access to healthcare and reducing the financial burden on households.

Abayomi spoke during an unannounced visit to Shomolu General Hospital while inspecting the construction of the new 150-bed Shomolu Specialist General Hospital.

The commissioner engaged patients and healthcare workers on their experiences with health insurance, urging residents to understand the benefits and limitations of their coverage.

He said a 2024 executive order domesticating the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 had made health insurance compulsory in Lagos.

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), under the state’s Ministry of Health, administers the insurance schemes.

According to Abayomi, residents without insurance must pay out of pocket for hospital registration cards, laboratory tests, admission, medication and other medical services.

He said such expenses could place considerable financial pressure on families, particularly during medical emergencies.

The commissioner said the subsidised Ilera Eko plan costs N15,000 per year, equivalent to about N1,250 monthly for an individual.

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The package covers doctors’ consultations, antenatal and childbirth services, treatment for malaria and fever, and management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

It also includes laboratory investigations, simple surgeries, specialist consultations and up to 15 days of hospitalisation annually.

Abayomi attributed the relatively low premium to government subsidies and risk pooling, explaining that the unsubsidised annual cost would be about N100,000 per person.

He said residents seeking broader coverage could opt for other insurance packages, while corporate residents could access unsubsidised private health insurance plans.

However, the commissioner cautioned that policyholders might still incur out-of-pocket expenses for treatments excluded from their packages or services exceeding the applicable annual limits.

He urged residents to familiarise themselves with their insurance terms and coverage limits before seeking medical treatment.

Abayomi urged residents to familiarise themselves with the terms, benefits and limitations of their insurance plans before seeking medical attention.

He also encouraged residents to provide feedback on their experiences and identify barriers preventing them from enrolling in health insurance.