The Lagos State Government has restated its position that residents are required to have health insurance, with the subsidised Ilera Eko scheme available to individuals at an annual premium of N15,000.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the initiative was designed to widen access to healthcare while shielding households from the financial strain associated with medical expenses.
Abayomi disclosed this during an unannounced inspection of Shomolu General Hospital and the ongoing development of the 150-bed Shomolu Specialist General Hospital.
During the visit, the commissioner interacted with patients and healthcare workers to understand their experiences with health insurance and encouraged residents to become familiar with the benefits and restrictions attached to their plans.
According to him, a 2024 executive order that domesticated the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 established mandatory health insurance coverage for residents of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency, which operates under the state Ministry of Health, is responsible for administering the various health insurance schemes.
Abayomi noted that residents without insurance are required to fund several medical expenses themselves, including hospital registration, laboratory investigations, admission and medication.
He said these costs can become particularly difficult for families when unexpected medical emergencies arise.
Under the subsidised Ilera Eko programme, an individual pays N15,000 annually, translating to roughly N1,250 per month.
The package provides access to medical consultations, antenatal care and childbirth services, as well as treatment for conditions such as malaria, fever, hypertension and diabetes.
Coverage also includes laboratory tests, simple surgical procedures, specialist consultations and hospitalisation for up to 15 days within a year.
Abayomi explained that government support and the pooling of risks among beneficiaries help keep the premium significantly below the estimated unsubsidised cost of about N100,000 per person annually.
Residents requiring more extensive coverage can enrol in other available insurance packages, while corporate residents may obtain unsubsidised private health insurance plans.
The commissioner, however, warned that insurance membership does not eliminate all medical expenses. Beneficiaries may have to pay out of pocket where a treatment is excluded from their package or where the relevant annual coverage limit has been exceeded.
He advised residents to study their insurance plans carefully, particularly the benefits, exclusions and applicable limits, before seeking treatment.
Abayomi also called on residents to share their experiences with the schemes and report any challenges or barriers that may be discouraging people from enrolling in health insurance.
