Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Achieving and sustaining universal health coverage (UHC) requires not only expanding enrolment but also ensuring continuous retention in health insurance schemes. Understanding who joins and who stays enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is essential for designing targeted interventions. This study analyzes NHIS membership and renewal patterns for the third quarter of 2025 to identify demographic and regional disparities in coverage and retention.
METHODS: A descriptive analysis was conducted using NHIS administrative membership data for 2025. Population estimates were derived using annual growth rate assumptions to compute quarterly population denominators. Coverage and renewal rates were disaggregated by gender, age group, member category, and region. Trends were examined to assess changes over time.
RESULTS: NHIS population coverage remained steady at 57% (19.1 million) from January to September 2025, reflecting a marginal 1.1‑percentage‑point increase from 2024. Coverage was highest among females aged 60+ (95.8%) and lowest among males aged 18-59 (31.1%). Significant regional disparities were observed: Volta and Ahafo recorded the highest coverage, while Northern and Western regions had the lowest. Renewal patterns showed that females, the elderly, indigents, and SSNIT contributors/pensioners retained coverage at higher rates. Conversely, males and persons under 18 were more likely to enroll than renew.
CONCLUSIONS: While overall NHIS coverage is stable, gaps persist among males, the working‑age population, and residents of populous or newly created regions. Retention challenge among younger members signals emerging risks to sustained coverage. Targeted strategies are needed to improve enrolment and retention among males and the economically active population, strengthen coverage in Greater Accra, Ashanti, and newly created regions, and revitalize renewal uptake through tailored communication and user‑centered digital engagement.