ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES IN NIGERIA: BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The need to access health care is of immense importance to every nation for with good health care, the viability of development may be improved and asserted. This paper examined the effort of government to improve access to health care through health insurance especially in the light of the available legislation enacted in that regards. This study sought to show an in-depth analysis of the health insurance scheme in Nigeria and this was achieved by an analysis of the legislations that has been enforceable for the purpose of the scheme since its inception. This extends to appreciating diverse challenges that has been occasioned and thereby necessitating a redirection in the system. The study was undertaken by doctrinal methodology by a comparative analysis of legislations for the health insurance scheme in Nigeria. The study found that there have been some legislative developments towards addressing the practical issues that has affected the scheme over the years and may be seen through the newly enacted National Health Insurance Authority Act. It has been recommended amongst others that Health insurance must be made seamlessly accessible to engender public interest in the scheme.