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Tag: HMO

  • HMO, firm partner on maternal health

    Health insurance provider Hygeia HMO and the Audrey Pack Company Limited are partnering on the reduction of maternal and child mortality.

    They have signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) in Lagos.

    The partnership is aimed at reducing the number of women who die during child birth.

    Starting at only N65,000, Hygeia’s plan provides cover for antenatal care during pregnancy as well as cost of delivery. A mum-to-be pack for expectant mothers and a newborn pack after delivery that contains essentials for each stage of the life giving journey are included.

    Announcing the deal, Obinna Ukachukwu, Hygeia HMO’s Executive Head for Business Development & Strategy, said the plan was essential as a private-sector-led initiative to improve the quality of healthcare women get throughout their maternity.

    “Hygeia HMO has a long-term goal to ensure that the vast majority of Nigerians get covered by health insurance and this is an effective way to pool the power of aggregated risks and use it to improve Nigeria’s efforts towards the crucial SDG 3.1 goal to reduce maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. HyMat + The Audrey Pack gets us closer to bridging that gap.”

    Audrey Pack also brings with it access to a community of women who volunteer their expertise to help expectant mothers. The deal  with Hygeia includes a free subscription to MTNAudreyCare service where enrolees receive SMS updates on nutrition, fitness and other developmental content.

    Lilian Odim, the founder/chief executive, The Audrey Pack Company, said: “In line with the SDG 3 goal, I believe that the health and well-being of mothers is an indication of the health and state of a nation. The decline in maternal and child mortality lies in the collaborative efforts between various industries, including the public sector. This is why I am certain that the Hygeia HMO- Audrey Pack partnership will take us closer to this goal.”

     

  • Avon HMO launches Valentine promo

    Avon Healthcare Limited, Nigeria’s leading Health Management Organisation (HMO) has announced the commencement of its #Avonwiththelove Valentine promo.

    The promo, which targets empowerment of couples to love more and live healthier, fuller lives will run throughout this month.

    Head, Marketing at Avon HMO, Chimaobi Eluigwe, said the promo was conceived to create a memorable experience for couples during the Valentine season as well as encourage them to take their health seriously while planning towards a happy and fruitful union in the future.

    He said: “We are excited to announce the #Avonwiththelove promo because it not only ties into our key focus of empowering people to live healthier, fuller lives but it is also a great way for us to connect with lovers across the country. Valentine is a season of love and Avon HMO is joining in the excitement of the season by enhancing the experience for lovers.”

    Eluigwe added that all subscriptions to the Avon HMO Couples’ Plan via both the online portal and offline channels throughout February will attract a discount of 10 percent instantly. In addition, subscribers also stand a chance of winning the grand prize of an all-expense paid weekend to Zanzibar for two.

    Other Special Love Packages to be won during the period include 12 bouquets of red roses, 24 boxes of chocolates, 48 red velvet cakes which will be given out every other day.

    The Avon HMO Couple’s Health Plan is targeted at couples who are in committed relationships as well as newlyweds. As with all other Avon HMO health plans, whenever the subscribed couple fall ill or suffer an accident requiring medical attention, Avon HMO steps in to co-ordinate their care and pay the hospital bills. Other benefits included in the Couple’s Plan are family planning and contraceptives, pre-marital medical check-ups, fertility investigations and more.

  • Avon HMO launches ‘health plans for unserved Nigerians’

    A Leading Health Management Company, AVON HMO, has introduced new bouquet of health subscription plans to ensure quality and affordable healthcare coverage for Nigerians hitherto unserved by existing health insurance models

    Managing Director /Chief Executive Officers of Avon HMO Adesimbo Ukiri, during the launch, said introduction of the new health plan was informed by the absence of products tailored to meet the needs of Nigerians, who do not fit into the traditional HMO target market of large companies and multinationals.

    She said: “Since Avon HMO commenced operations about four years ago, we have been at the forefront of offering innovative packages that provide Nigerians with access to quality healthcare services. Our new plans provide options which address the needs of previously unserved consumers such as entrepreneurs, young adults, students, domestic staff, couples and families.”

    The plans include ‘Life Starter’, ‘Couples’ Plan’, ‘Life Plus’, ‘Premium Life’ and ‘The Boss Life’.

    She added: “Avon HMO is synonymous with many firsts; and what we have done this time is to design a range of health plans that are specific in meeting healthcare needs at different phases of life. So, whether you are the parent of a young adult going off to the university or to NYSC, or a couple planning to get married and start a family, or even a homemaker looking for health plans for your domestic staff, Avon HMO has a plan just for you. There are also more exclusive health plans, which cover extensive benefits and give access to select hospitals.”

    Adesimbo added that “having a health plan with Avon HMO ensures that whenever you fall ill, suffer an accident or are diagnosed with a health condition, the HMO steps in to co-ordinate your care and pay the bills; ensuring and overseeing the delivery of quality healthcare services that will enable you to get better.”

    Avon HMO is the first HMO in Nigeria to enter into the retail market segment, offering Nigerians the opportunity to subscribe and pay for a health plan on their phones. It is also the HMO with the largest following on social media and uses this as an active tool for enrollee engagement and feedback.

    Added benefits on some of the new health plans include: travel immunisation, pre-marital medical tests, fertility investigations and more.

  • HMO urges best professional practices

    HMO urges best professional practices

    The Managing Director of Clearline Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), Dr. Isaac Akintunji, has reiterated the need for best practices in corporate governance in the health sector, particularly among the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).

    This, according to him, will instill public confidence in the health insurance scheme and engender growth in the industry.

    Akintunji, who disclosed this to The Nation, said it was imperative for corporate organisations to ensure strict adherence to best practices and ethical standards, adding that  organisations needed to put sound management structures in place and promote business integrity.

    Akintunji, a life member of the Institute of Directors, together with two Executive Directors of Clearline HMO, Dr Babatunde Ladele and Mr Oladapo Kolawole,  urged emphasis on business integrity and enduring values. Dr. Akintunji and Dr. Ladele are medical professionals, while Rev. Kolawole is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    Noting HMOs strategic importance to the well-being of human capital that would steer any nation out of economic challenge, Dr. Akintunji pointed out that HMOs  must operate with utmost integrity, professionalism and strong ethical value system, arguing that organisations that would take care of human capital’s health must first be healthy in its operating system and structures.

    He challenged HMOs to ensure prompt payment of capitation and payment of claims as at when due, stressing that such would deepen the penetration of the health insurance scheme in Nigeria, and ultimately help in nurturing a virile economy since the human capital would be at the optimal performance level.

    He called on operators to enthrone sincerity of purpose in the discharge of their duties, adding that care providers should adhere strictly to professional standards. Dr. Akintunji also called on regulators in the health sector to perform their oversight functions effectively.

    This, according to him, will eradicate unprofessional conducts that may hamper the growth of the insurance scheme in Nigeria.

  • ‘N351b NHIS fraud’: HMOs get deadline on audited accounts

    ‘N351b NHIS fraud’: HMOs get deadline on audited accounts

    The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has issued a two-day deadline to 35 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to present their audited accounts.

    Chairman of the committee Chike Okafor, in a chat with reporters at the weekend, said the directive was part of the committee’s investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N351 billion paid to the HMOs between 2005 and 2016.

    He said of the 59 HMOs paid from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the last 11years, only 24 of them made their accounts available to auditing consultants appointed by his committee to ascertain amounts paid to them.

    According to the lawmaker, the committee decided to give defaulting HMOs till Wednesday to make their books available to the auditors.

    This, he said, is to allow HMOs present their own side of the matter.

    Okafor said: “As we announced on the final day of the public hearing on the allegations of fraud in health insurance administration and the maltreatment on enrollees on NHIS, the committee sent auditors to Lagos State to thoroughly scrutinise the books of HMOs.

    “This was done to compare the figures the NHIS said it paid HMOs overtime to what they actually received. So far, the auditors have gone through the accounts of 24 of them, with 35 of these companies yet to meet with those we sent.

    “The NHIS provided us with all the documents to show how much they paid. But we cannot conclude the investigation without checking what the HMOs received and this is why we have given them till Wednesday to allow for a checking of their account.”

    On the three-month suspension of the NHIS Executive-Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf and the mandate given to the committee to interrogate the Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on the issue, Okafor confirmed that the minister will appear before his committee on Thursday.

  • Nollywood to sign MoU with HMO

    The Nigerian Creative industry comprising 11 guilds and association is set to launch a health policy for its members with the signing of an MOU with an HMO in Lagos.

    Tagged NollyHeathCare, the health insurance scheme is expected be launched on Friday, June 30, 2017 at NAN Media Centre, National Theatre Annex, Iganmu, Lagos.

    The event is expected to be chaired by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, while the acting Lagos State Commissioner of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs. Akinsola Adebimpe, MD of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe and Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, will be speakers.

    The Creative Industry which include National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Film Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), Script Writers Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), United Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (UMPAN), Association of Motion Picture & Entertainment Editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN) and others.

  • ‘HMOs not paying regularly’

    DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos Prof Lawal Babatunde Salako has accused health maintenance organisations (HMOs) of not paying hospitals regularly, urging the government to look into the matter.

    He spoke at Healthcare Leaders conference organised by Medic West Africa as part of their three-day exhibition at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, which ended at the weekend.

    Salako, who represented the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, said although the HMOs receive their payments directly from contributors, they do not pay on time. He said though the supervising government agency had promised to look into the matter, nothing had been done.

    The National Health Insurance (NHIS) was initiated by the government as a public-private participation model to make health available to the masses. The NHIS was designed to be driven via the HMOS.

    According to sources, one of the HMOs has no fewer than 155,109 enrolees from various government departments.

    Salako said the health insurance scheme was the best way to go. He however lamented that the scheme, which was launched by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005, had only been  embraced by the Federal Government for its workers. He advised the governors of the 36 states to embrace it. The more workers join, he said, the more money would be available for hospitals.

    Participants at the event said the attitudes of the HMOs could thwart the scheme, if nothing was done.

     

  • HMO introduces health plans for individuals, families

    HMO introduces health plans for individuals, families

    More Nigerians can now   access quality healthcare  under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with a Health Management Organisation (HMO),   Avon Healthcare Limited, has introducing six plans for individuals, families/groups, as well as associations.

    According to the Managing Director, Mrs Adesimbo Ukiri, the plans will accommodate some seemingly uncaptured sections of the society, thereby ensuring adequate coverage of the typical and prevalent ailments found in the country, while providing quality care at affordable costs.

    Mrs. Ukiri said although achieving Universal Health coverage in Nigeria is not a sprint to be won overnight, ”the introduction of Avon HMO’s Health plans for Individuals and families is a crucial step in the right direction. The Core Plan is N15, 000 per annual. There are international plans developed for Nigerians who travel abroad frequently and want assurance of seamless healthcare coverage no matter where they are in the world. The plans will supplement the company’s existing suite of health plans for companies and businesses. These plans came up because NHIS has licensed and accredited AVON as a national HMO.”

    She said: “Avon HMO is thus able to offer not only its own private health plans, but also the full array of NHIS plans to individuals, associations, communities and governments across all states and regions. Avon HMO is set in raising quality assurance standards in the health insurance industry.

    “Our focus on quality assurance is painstaking and we work very closely with provider hospitals to ensure that our enrolled members receive the best care. For instance, Avon HMO Case Managers have scheduled daily visits to hospitals to engage with enrolled members on admission, overseeing the care they receive and providing further assurances; over 75 per cent of all recorded admissions are visited in this manner. The company’s coordinators are working with provider hospitals to achieve adherence to agreed disease management protocols and drug formularies to sustain high levels of clinical and pharmacy quality to Avon HMO’s enrolled members.

    “We are pleased to state that 98 per cent of our hospitals adhere to the Drug Formulary, thus ensuring that effective drugs are given to our patients. In recognition of the crucial role Provider Hospitals play and their resultant well-deserved right to adequate and effective remuneration, Avon HMO ensures capitation payments to relevant provider hospitals are paid before the first day of the month and claims are processed and paid within a 30 to 45 days cycle of receipt,’ she stated.

    She added: “The company has a robust complaints resolution procedure, as such utilising multiple channels of calls, text, email, BBM and chat through which complaints are received, resolved and confirmation of resolution obtained. The sector still has a number of challenges which may affect service delivery. However, at Avon HMO, our processes are streamlined and the resolution time for most issues fall within a five to 15 minutes window.”

  • Mansard Insurance acquires HMO firm

    Mansard Insurance Plc has acquired the entire issued share capital of Procare Health Plan Nigeria Limited, a health management organization (HMO) company as the insurance company seeks to consolidate its health insurance business.

    In a regulatory filing made available by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mansard Insurance, a publicly quoted subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc which was recently sold by the bank in line with regulatory framework of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), indicated that it intends to recapitalize and run Procare as its subsidiary in the health maintenance industry.

    Mansard stated that it would revitalize Procare’s operations in accordance with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)’ New HMO Accreditation Guidelines.

    The company indicated that it would recapitalize Procare through increase in the company’s share capital from N100 million to N500 million while it would also expand the opertaionsl base of the HMO firm through establishment of functional offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kaduna.

    Mansard stated that it plans to establish an office in the North-eastern part of the country as soon as the atmosphere there becomes more conducive for business operations.

    “In addition, Mansard would establish an operational call centre at the company’s head office in Lagos and conclude arrangements to deploy a state-of-the-art health insurance management software, TOSHFA, by Access Meditech Private Limited. Further, steps would be taken to change the company’s name and formally launch the new brand sometime in July 2013,” the regulatory filing indicated.