INFORMAL SECTOR PROGRAMME

The Informal sector programme is one of the key programmes of BNSHIA which aims to provide health insurance coverage to individuals and households in the informal sector. The programme is designed to ensure that all residents of Benue State, regardless of their income level, have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.

The Informal Sector Programme targets individuals and households who are engaged in informal economic activities, such as street vending, artisanal work, and small-scale farming. These individuals often lack access to formal employment and social protection schemes, and are therefore vulnerable to the financial burden of healthcare. The programme is designed to provide them with a safety net that can protect them from catastrophic health expenditures and improve their health outcomes.

Under the Informal Sector Programme, individuals and households are required to register with BNSHIA and pay N15,000.00 per person towards the health insurance premium. The programme offers a comprehensive package of healthcare services to enrolled individuals and their dependents, including primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, emergency care, and selected specialized services.

By enrolling in the health insurance scheme, they are able to access quality healthcare services at no additional cost, which can help to improve their health outcomes and well-being. Additionally, the programme can help to reduce the catastrophic financial burden of healthcare on enrolled individuals and households, as they are able to share the cost of healthcare with other members of the scheme.

The Informal Sector Programme of BNSHIA is a vital initiative that is helping to bridge the healthcare gap in Benue State. The programme is providing affordable and quality healthcare services to individuals and households in the informal sector, and is helping to improve their health outcomes and well-being. It is therefore important for individuals and households engaged in informal economic activities to register with BNSHIA and enroll in the health insurance scheme.