GH¢1.64bn NHIS claims paid in 2026 as Private Health Facilities welcome improved reimbursements

The Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) has commended the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and government for improvements in the payment of claims to healthcare providers.

In a statement issued on October 2, 2026, the Association said more regular and predictable reimbursement of claims was helping to ease the financial pressure delayed payments had placed on health facilities over the years.

PHFAoG acknowledged the leadership of NHIA Chief Executive Dr Victor Asare Bampoe and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for their responsiveness to concerns surrounding healthcare financing and claims payments.

The Association said delayed reimbursements had previously forced some healthcare facilities to borrow funds, ration medical supplies, and face significant operational challenges.

It therefore described the recent improvement in claims payments as an important development for both healthcare providers and patients.

According to PHFAoG, part of the progress was due to the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund and efforts by the NHIA to ensure that vetted claims are reimbursed more regularly.

The Association said more than GH¢157 million was released in May 2026, covering April payments, some arrears dating back to 2019 and vetted claims up to March 2026.

This was followed by payments of GH¢256.5 million in July and August and a further GH¢281.66 million.

The Association said total NHIS claims payments in 2026 had consequently reached GH¢1.64 billion across public, private and mission healthcare facilities.

PHFAoG stressed that predictable claims payments are critical to the effective operation of health facilities, particularly their ability to procure medicines and medical supplies, meet operational costs and maintain quality services.

The Association also welcomed the NHIA's measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in claims administration, including the publication of claims payment information and enhanced monitoring of healthcare facilities.

It further welcomed ongoing discussions with the NHIA on establishing a dedicated private-sector desk to improve engagement between the Authority and credentialed private healthcare providers.

PHFAoG also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Finance in facilitating the release of funds to the NHIS.

It cited the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, adjustments in NHIS tariffs and funding for the government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme as measures supporting healthcare financing.

Looking ahead, the Association called for sustained and predictable releases of funds, monthly reimbursement of claims, protection of earmarked NHIS revenues and continued engagement between the NHIA and healthcare providers to address claims-vetting concerns.

It also proposed establishing a claims adjudication committee to support the timely resolution of claims disputes.

PHFAoG pledged to continue promoting quality and ethical healthcare delivery, submitting accurate and properly documented claims, avoiding unauthorised charges to NHIS members and cooperating with audits and reforms aimed at strengthening the Scheme.

The Association further expressed its readiness to engage relevant stakeholders on proposals for greater private-sector participation in the completion and operationalisation of Agenda 111 health facilities.

PHFAoG General Secretary, Frank-Torblu Richard, emphasised that timely and predictable financing remains essential to sustaining healthcare delivery, enabling facilities to maintain supplies, support health workers and provide the services patients need.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.