Aged persons above 70 years can now access services under the National Health Insurance Scheme immediately after they subscribe to the scheme.

Presently, it takes thirty days for newly registered persons to benefit from the scheme.

Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, says the policy review is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare of the elderly.

“Reports came to us that health condition of some elderly people deteriorates due to inability to use the insurance immediately after registration. We are happy to announce that any seventy years and above who registers onto health insurance gets instant access”, he explained.

The waiting time for fresh subscribers to the health insurance system is at least thirty days to access services.

The only exception to this policy is pregnant women who sign up for free.

Managers of the insurance scheme have expanded the exemptions to include the aged.

The National Health Insurance Authority is making reforms to improve services rendered to the public.

Under the present government, childhood cancers are covered by the scheme with increased spending on patients' medication.

The CEO led officials of the NHIA to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council as part of a tour to the Ashanti Region.

The Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, expressed satisfaction with the interventions to improve the scheme.

He called for support for the insurance provider.