Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Government has reiterated that health insurance is mandatory for residents, with the subsidised Ilera Eko health insurance plan available at an annual premium of N15,000 for an individual.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this during an inspection visit to Shomolu General Hospital, where he also reviewed the ongoing construction of the new 150-bed Shomolu Specialist General Hospital.
Abayomi said the mandatory policy was established through a 2024 Executive Order that domesticated the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), under the Ministry of Health, is responsible for administering the state’s health insurance schemes.
According to the commissioner, residents without health insurance may have to bear the full cost of hospital registration, laboratory investigations, admission, medication and other medical services.
He explained that the Ilera Eko plan is designed to reduce the financial burden associated with healthcare by providing coverage for a range of medical services.
The N15,000 annual plan covers doctors’ consultations, antenatal and childbirth services, treatment for malaria and fever, management of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, laboratory investigations, simple surgeries and specialist consultations.
The plan also provides for up to 15 days of hospitalisation annually, according to the commissioner.
Abayomi said the relatively low premium is made possible through government subsidy and risk pooling. He noted that the unsubsidised cost would be about N100,000 per person annually.
He added that residents requiring broader coverage could choose other available insurance packages, while corporate residents could access unsubsidised private health insurance plans.
However, the commissioner cautioned that enrollees may still have to pay out of pocket for treatments or services that fall outside the benefits covered by their chosen plans or exceed applicable limits.
He therefore urged residents to understand the terms and coverage limits of their health insurance plans before seeking medical treatment.
Earlier, LASHMA officials had explained that the mandatory health insurance policy applies to everyone living in Lagos State, regardless of their state of origin or nationality. The agency has also said vulnerable residents who cannot afford the premium may be supported through the state’s equity fund.
LASHMA has stated that residents can enrol through its offices and designated health insurance desks at Lagos State general hospitals and other approved channels.
The agency says the broader objective of the scheme is to expand access to affordable healthcare while reducing the financial pressure of medical expenses on households across Lagos State.
