IMPACT OF HEALTH INSURANCE ON IMPROVING HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN KWARA STATE

This study investigates the impact of health insurance on healthcare access in Kwara State, Nigeria. Anchored on the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model and the Health Belief Model, it explores how insurance enrollment influences healthcare affordability, utilization, and access, particularly among rural and low-income populations. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys (n = 119) with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions across three senatorial districts in the state. The findings reveal that while health insurance has contributed positively to improved healthcare utilization and reduced out-ofpocket expenditures, enrollment remains limited, especially among informal sector workers. Key barriers include affordability, poor awareness, administrative inefficiencies, and limited benefit coverage. The study further highlights systemic issues such as poverty, geographical disparities, and inequitable healthcare packages under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). It concludes that while health insurance can be an effective tool for enhancing healthcare access, significant reforms in policy, financing, and service delivery are required to achieve universal health coverage in Kwara State. Recommendations are made for increasing community awareness, expanding coverage to the informal sector, and strengthening health system infrastructure to support sustainable insurance schemes.