The Lagos State Government has restated that health insurance is compulsory for residents, while announcing that individuals can access the subsidised Ilera Eko health plan for an annual premium of N15,000.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the policy was designed to widen access to healthcare and shield households from the potentially heavy costs associated with medical treatment.
Abayomi made the clarification during an unannounced inspection of Shomolu General Hospital, where he also reviewed ongoing work on the new 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 respective plans.
According to Abayomi, 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, under the state Ministry of Health, is responsible for administering the state’s health insurance schemes.
N15,000 annual premium
Abayomi said the subsidised Ilera Eko package costs N15,000 annually for an individual, translating to approximately N1,250 per month.
The commissioner explained that government subsidies and the pooling of insurance risks helped keep the premium below the estimated unsubsidised cost of about N100,000 per person annually.
The package provides access to several healthcare services, including medical consultations, antenatal care, childbirth services and treatment for common ailments such as malaria and fever.
It also covers the management of chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes, laboratory investigations, simple surgical procedures and specialist consultations.
Policyholders are additionally entitled to up to 15 days of hospitalisation each year under the package.
Out-of-pocket costs remain possible
The commissioner warned that having health insurance does not necessarily eliminate every medical expense.
According to him, policyholders may still have to pay out of pocket for services that are excluded from their specific plans or where treatment exceeds applicable annual limits.
Residents requiring more extensive coverage can choose alternative insurance packages, while businesses can access unsubsidised private health insurance products.
Abayomi urged residents to examine their insurance plans carefully and understand the services covered, exclusions and applicable limits before seeking treatment.
He noted that understanding the terms of a policy could help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare and avoid unexpected expenses.
Government seeks feedback
The commissioner also encouraged residents to provide feedback on their experiences with the health insurance system.
He said information from policyholders could help authorities identify obstacles preventing residents from enrolling and address challenges affecting access to healthcare.
The state government’s renewed emphasis on compulsory insurance and the subsidised Ilera Eko package forms part of its broader effort to increase health insurance coverage and reduce dependence on direct out-of-pocket payments for medical care.
