On October 23rd, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced the new proposed NHI program with expanded primary care services and a new high cost care program.

We released to the public our policy paper, “National Health Insurance: A Shared Responsibility”, making it available online as well.

With this announcement, we invited and have undertaken to date, extensive consultation with all stakeholders including members of the public at large. Our consultation continues in Nassau and the Family Islands.

We are committed to clear and effective communication to all stakeholders to move this proposal forward.

A number of questions from our stakeholder meetings so far have addressed the new employer mandated insurance articulated in the policy paper.

The proposed NHI plan is intended to minimize the impact to those already holding a private health insurance plan.

The plan will not negatively impact any existing employment contract stipulating greater coverage whether that be through an individual contract or a collectively bargained agreement.

A common misconception is that individuals with private health insurance will have to pay an additional 2% of their salary for NHI.

This is simply not the case. For most existing health insurance contracts, it is likely that the Standard Health Benefit (SHB) will be included in your contract, therefore nothing would change for you and no additional contribution would be required.

If for whatever reason, your existing contract does not meet the minimum requirements of the SHB, your benefits package will be strengthened with additional benefits and no co-payments or deductibles.

In addition, there will be no exclusions for pre-existing conditions for the SHB. NHI is committed to providing affordable, realistic and sustainable care. 

For more information on NHI Bahamas, visit www.nhibahamas.gov.bs.