IMPACT OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME ON AGED CITIZENS IN KWARA STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This paper has been analyzing the effects of the health insurance plan on the elderly citizens in Kwara State, Nigeria. It sought to determine the level to which the scheme enhances access of the healthcare services, the level of awareness and involvement of aged citizens, the affordability and sufficiency of health benefits and the challenges that hinder the usage of the scheme by aged citizens. The descriptive survey design was used and the data was gathered on 350 respondents who were aged 60 years and above with the help of structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done by the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that the health insurance plan has increased access to healthcare and minimized the monetary obligations among the elderly citizens. Nonetheless, the levels of awareness and participation are moderate and the benefits packages are not sufficient to address the entire health needs of the elderly. Difficulties like administrative delays, ineffectiveness of service delivery and inadequate facilities in rural areas that are accredited are among challenges that interfere with effective utilization. It concludes that as much as the health insurance scheme has a positive impact on healthcare access and affordability, its overall performance can be enhanced by increased awareness, coverage and better management of the services. It suggests greater sensitization, policy changes to expand the coverage of benefits, and vigorous monitoring measures to achieve fair healthcare provision to the elderly citizens.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.