The Ashanti regional directorate of the National Health Insurance Authority is cautioning service providers against demanding payment for services already covered by the scheme.

The Authority says payment of claims has improved tremendously to ensure all credentialed health care facilities provide quality services to subscribers.

Ashanti Regional Director of NHIA, Kwabena Tweneboah-Koduah, however, observed some healthcare facilities are unduly cashing in on members who present themselves at their facilities to access services already covered by the NHIS.

“There are some providers who take advantage of the members when they present themselves at their facilities by demanding payment for services covered by the Scheme.

“I urge all facilities in the region to desist from such practices which have the tendency to reduce the confidence of the populace in the NHIS,” he said.

Recent technological exposure in the sector is improving the quality and convenience of services rendered by the NHIA.

In spite of the economic brunt of COVID-19, Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah revealed his outfit achieved remarkable feats in 2021.

He indicated the Ashanti region has most of its members linking their NHIS cards to the Ghana Card nationwide.

“A total of 1,356,314 NHIS members in the Ashanti region renewed their membership through the NHIS Mobile Renewal Service 106.7% of the target.

“Ashanti leads in the number of NHIS members who have linked their NHIS cards to the Ghana cards so that the Ghana cards can be used to access services at the various credentialed facilities,” he said.

The Ashanti region presently has an active membership of 2,941,228, representing 104.1% of its annual target.

Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah is, however, calling on all stakeholders including healthcare facilities and the media to collaboratively support the government’s quest to reach Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

He thanked the staff for their relentless efforts in helping the regional office achieve its target.