The Lagos State Government has made health insurance compulsory for all residents, with the aim of expanding access to healthcare and reducing financial burdens on households. According to the Lagos Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, a 2024 executive order domesticating the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 had made health insurance mandatory in Lagos. This move is expected to increase access to healthcare services for residents.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), under the state’s Ministry of Health, administers the insurance schemes. Residents without insurance must pay out of pocket for various medical services, including hospital registration cards, laboratory tests, admission, medication, and other medical services. This can place significant financial pressure on families, particularly during medical emergencies.
The subsidized Ilera Eko plan costs N15,000 per year, equivalent to about N1,250 monthly for an individual. This 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 hospitalization annually.
Commissioner Abayomi attributed the relatively low premium to government subsidies and risk pooling, explaining that the unsubsidized annual cost would be about N100,000 per person. Residents seeking broader coverage can opt for other insurance packages, while corporate residents can access unsubsidized private health insurance plans.
However, policyholders may still incur out-of-pocket expenses for treatments excluded from their packages or services exceeding the applicable annual limits. Abayomi urged residents to familiarize themselves with their insurance terms and coverage limits before seeking medical treatment. This will help them understand the benefits and limitations of their coverage.
During an unannounced visit to Shomolu General Hospital, Abayomi engaged patients and healthcare workers on their experiences with health insurance. He encouraged residents to provide feedback on their experiences and identify barriers preventing them from enrolling in health insurance. This will help the government improve the health insurance scheme.
The Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services. With the compulsory health insurance policy, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on households and increase access to healthcare services. Residents can now enroll in the subsidized Ilera Eko scheme, which offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has made health insurance compulsory for all residents.
- The subsidized Ilera Eko plan costs N15,000 per year, covering essential healthcare services.
- Policyholders may still incur out-of-pocket expenses for treatments excluded from their packages or services exceeding annual limits.
