Top 10 Benefits of HMOs in Nigeria
Are you wondering how health maintenance organizations (HMOs) can benefit you in Nigeria? Have you considered enrolling in an affordable HMO but unsure of the advantages they offer?
As healthcare costs continue rising across Nigeria, HMOs have become indispensable – assisting millions to access quality yet budget-friendly care through health plans, discounted provider networks and preventative packages.
This article highlights the top 10 ways HMOs in Nigeria empower citizens like you towards better health.
So read on to learn how HMOs are revolutionizing healthcare access, costs and delivery nationwide!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HMOS IN NIGERIA
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are health plans that provide healthcare coverage to members through networks of selected hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and other providers.
HMO members receive access to essential medical services, including preventative care, outpatient consultation, diagnostics tests, therapies, and hospitalization if needed.
In Nigeria, over 60 licensed HMOs now provide subsidized and customized health plans that make quality care more affordable for companies, government agencies, families and individuals.
Local HMOs leverage strategic partnerships with premier healthcare facilities to optimize costs and enable budget-conscious Nigerians to obtain much-needed treatment via discounted network rates.
Key players like Total Health Trust, Hygeia HMO, Avon HMO and others continue to spur expansion serving over 5 million HMO enrolees nationwide.
TOP 10 BENEFITS OF HMOS IN NIGERIA
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) have become an integral part of Nigeria’s healthcare system. HMOs help provide affordable and accessible healthcare coverage to millions of Nigerians through various health plans and packages. As the costs of care continue rising, the role and relevance of HMOs also grow.
Below are the top 10 benefits of HMOs in Nigeria:
AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
The number one benefit of health management organizations is providing affordable healthcare coverage, especially for low and middle-income families.
HMOs offer discounted rates and subsidized premiums, allowing many Nigerians to obtain essential health services. Through group packages and preventative care, HMOs help reduce overall medical spending for both individuals and organizations.
Even many government agencies now partner with HMOs to offer coverage to civil servants and their families.
ACCESS TO QUALITY CARE
Health management organizations grant access to quality healthcare from reputable hospitals and providers within their network. The rigorous vetting and credentialing ensure plan members get excellent care and positive outcomes.
Many HMOs even invest in the latest medical equipment, advanced systems, and top specialists for their network healthcare facilities. Consequently, health plan members obtain better care often at 40-50% discounted rates.
PREVENTATIVE CARE & WELLNESS
A core service health management organizations provide is preventative care through regular checkups, tests, screening, and even vaccination.
This emphasis on wellness and early diagnosis makes plan members healthier while cutting long-term medical costs.
HMOs also offer health education, lifestyle coaching, gym discounts, and access to dieticians to further promote wellbeing for members and their families.
SIGNIFICANT COST SAVINGS
One of the biggest financial reliefs health management organizations offer is substantial cost savings for plan members.
HMOs strategically negotiate low rates for care and strictly manage provider agreements to minimize expenses.
Hence, any procedure done in-network has drastically reduced and capped pricing through economies of scale. There are generally minimal or no co-pays, deductibles, and hidden fees. Out-of-pocket costs are low for plan members, with everything from surgeries, therapies, labs, scans covered per agreed packages.
NO RESTRICTIONS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Unlike traditional insurance plans, most health management organizations gladly enroll members with pre-existing health conditions without rating up premiums. The majority don’t view pre-existing conditions as added risk or liability that warrants charging higher health plan rates.
Hence, HMO plans provide coverage access, without discrimination or limitations, to many previously uninsurable Nigerians battling chronic or congenital illnesses.
WIDE CHOICE OF PROVIDERS & FACILITIES
Reputed Nigerian health management organizations partner with extensive provider networks, including top hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers nationwide.
Depending on specific health plans, members can access hundreds of quality hospitals, specialty centers, and thousands of care professionals conveniently.
Hence, plan members aren’t restricted but rather enjoy a wide choice that meets preferences, budgets, and recommended provider lists.
PROMPT APPROVAL FOR REFERRALS & PROCEDURES
An aspect many health management organizations members appreciate are speedy in-network referrals and approvals for medical procedures or tests.
Rather than prolonged delays common with public healthcare, HMOs promptly process approvals via dedicated provider channels.
Pre-approvals for overseas care also generally get rapid turnaround so as to expedite world-class treatment abroad for members with acute conditions.
QUARTERLY CREDITS ROLL OVER
An innovative benefit unique to health management organizations is quarterly credits rollover if unutilized.
Most plans have annual limits on health spending per member. Where such allocated credits aren’t fully used per quarter, the remaining credits safely roll over without lapsing within the policy year.
Such flexibility allows unused portions to accumulate and cover bigger future medical expenses in the plan year.
NO CLAIMS DOCUMENTATION NEEDED
Another administrative convenience health management organizations offer is eliminating tedious claims documentation requirements for members.
Once registered into a health plan, members simply walk into network hospitals and providers for seamless care sans upfront payments or claim filing.
HMOs coordinate directly with healthcare partners to handle all claim logistics in the background.
HEALTH PLAN PORTABILITY
Lastly, most health management organizations allow health plan portability wherein members can transfer existing coverage to other locations or new employers.
Hence, relocating staff, students studying abroad, diaspora workers returning home can move health plans without starting afresh.
This ensures health plan members have geographical flexibility without losing accrued benefits on migrating.
CONCLUSION
In closing, health maintenance organizations undoubtedly make quality healthcare achievable for everyday Nigerians. HMOs empower members with necessary coverage for long-term wellbeing from substantial savings to robust provider networks.
More people, families and companies now recognize affordable health plans as essential insurance against impoverishing medical bills.
With over 5 million HMO subscribers currently in Nigeria, the industry will likely keep expanding until every citizen can exercise the fundamental human right to health.
So why not sign up with a top HMO today and start experiencing healthcare made more possible in Nigeria!
