ASHIA Warns Desk Officers Against Overcharging Enrollees
By Chisom Okafor
The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has issued a strong warning to desk officers at its accredited health facilities, cautioning them against overcharging enrollees and engaging in unethical financial practices.
Speaking during a meeting with the officers at the ASHIA headquarters in Awka, the agency’s Managing Director, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, reaffirmed that the ASHIA premium remains fixed at ₦12,500, warning that any officer caught extorting enrollees would face strict penalties, as the agency is committed to ensuring affordable healthcare access for all beneficiaries.
Expressing concern over some hospitals offering services beyond their ASHIA accreditation, the MD warned that such violations would not be tolerated. He instructed facilities to strictly adhere to the services for which they were accredited and avoid misleading enrollees into paying for non-covered treatments. Institutions found guilty of such practices, he said, would face consequences.
Dr. Onyemaechi encouraged desk officers to be open-minded, professional, and attentive to enrollees’ needs, stressing that beneficiaries should not be required to make out-of-pocket payments for services covered under the scheme, as ASHIA was established to provide affordable healthcare.
He urged officers to uphold integrity and ensure that enrollees receive the full benefits of their health insurance without unnecessary financial burdens.
Addressing issues related to pre-authorization codes, the MD advised desk officers to ensure that they provide accurate diagnoses when submitting requests for approval, explaining that improper or incomplete information often leads to denials, causing unnecessary delays in treatment.
"By following due process and providing the correct details, they could streamline approvals and enhance service efficiency," he said.
Dr. Onyemaechi reaffirmed ASHIA’s commitment to ensuring that the health insurance scheme functions optimally, providing quality and accessible healthcare to the people of Anambra State, calling on desk officers and healthcare providers to uphold the agency’s mission and work toward a transparent, corruption-free system.
*Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
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