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Health care industry

NHIA Reaffirms Commitment to One-Hour Authorization Code Policy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing and sustaining its one-hour authorization code policy aimed at improving service delivery to enrolees across Nigeria. The policy, which took effect on April 1, 2023, under the NHIA Act 2022, mandates Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to issue authorization codes to healthcare providers within one hour of receiving treatment requests. This initiative is part of broader reforms to reduce delays in access to care and ensure enrolees receive quality service whenever they visit any facility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHIA's one-hour authorization code policy took effect on April 1, 2023, under the NHIA Act 2022.
  • The policy mandates HMOs to issue authorization codes to healthcare providers within one hour of receiving treatment requests.
  • Failure to issue the code within one hour will result in hospitals escalating the request to the NHIA state office for further directive.
  • The NHIA has also introduced comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Care, covering all emergencies free of charge, and a free Fistula Programme for women experiencing post-delivery urinary leakage.
  • Enrolment rates in Nasarawa state are high, including among those in the informal sector.
  • Ultimate HMO has pledged to respond to treatment requests within 10 to 15 minutes and escalate cases that exceed the one-hour limit.
  • Stakeholders from HMOs, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA), Hospital Management Board, and healthcare providers attended the forum.

Statistics:

  • 1 hour: the timeframe within which HMOs must issue authorization codes to healthcare providers.
  • 2023: the year in which the one-hour authorization code policy took effect.
  • 10-15 minutes: the target response time for Ultimate HMO to issue authorization codes.
  • 2030: the target year for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Zonal Director, Chris Okoh
  • NHIA Coordinator in Nasarawa, Mary Aliu
  • Representative of Ultimate HMO, Cosmas Michael
  • National Agency for Newspapers (NAN)

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