Late payment of invoices: INAM reassures its various partners

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Extract from the article: Dans un contexte où l’accès aux soins de santé est crucial pour le bien-être de la population, l’Institut National d’Assurance Maladie (INAM) s’est toujours efforcé de garantir à ses assurés un accès sans souci à des soins de qualité. Toutefois, ces

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In a context where access to health care is crucial for the well-being of the population, the National Institute of Health Insurance (INAM) has always endeavoured to guarantee its policyholders a carefree access to quality care. However, in recent months, there has been reluctance on the part of some health centres and pharmacies, raising concerns among beneficiaries. Faced with this situation, the INAM wants to «reassure its partners and beneficiaries that the diligent arrangements are made for a return to normal».

Due to delays in payment of invoices, some INAM partner pharmacies have stopped serving their policyholders. A situation that has been going on for a few months. Joining the act to the word, the Director General of the INAM, Myriam Dossou-D'Almeida, in a letter dated the same 24 July 2023, sent to the managers of pharmacies under contract, informed them that « at least 70% of the cumulative amount of their outstanding bills from January to June will be paid by July 28, 2023. The remaining 30% will be paid within forty-five to sixty days».

Myriam Dossou-d'Almeida, explained that the INAM is not in default of payment. These payment delays were due to changes in the methods of managing the settlement of the contracted providers.  « Arrangements are being made for a return to normal », according to the INAM. Rather, the problem lies in a delay in the settlement of health care providers due to changes in payment management. Despite this, since January 2023, the INAM has made payments in the amount of 4. 079 378 570 FCFA, including 1.624 424 762 FCFA for invoices from previous years. In addition, the institution is working to accelerate the pace of payments to address this situation. It is also important to note that this delay is not the result of a lack of cash.

INAM continues to honour its commitments to its partners. While some health centres and pharmacies have suspended insured services, many others continue to trust the INAM and serve beneficiaries.

« The INAM understands the concerns of both insured persons and health care providers about this unfortunate situation. The Institute regrets the inconvenience caused and apologizes to its clients. However, it wants to reassure its partners and beneficiaries that appropriate measures are being taken to return to normal. The satisfaction of insured persons remains a priority for the INAM, which is committed to avoiding such situations in the future. The Institute reiterates its constant concern for the quality of the services it provides », reassures INAM.

INAM calls for the commitment of all healthcare providers to serve the insured and restore trust. The necessary measures are being taken to quickly resolve the problem of late payment and to ensure better access to health care for all beneficiaries of health insurance.

The National Institute of Health Insurance (INAM) The European Commission, which is responsible for the management of the compulsory health insurance scheme and whose remit has been extended to the management of universal health insurance, has committed itself, together with the State and other partners, to providing appropriate responses to the problems faced by the elderly.

Elom AKAKPO