The Lagos State Government has announced plans to make health insurance compulsory for all residents, workers and employers from January 1, 2027, as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday during the launch of the Lagos Private Health Plans (LPHP) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was held under the theme, “Lagos Covered, a Shared Commitment, a Healthier Lagos.”
According to the governor, the enforcement of Executive Order EO/BOS/01 of 2024 will commence on January 1, 2027, giving individuals, businesses and employers until December 31, 2026, to secure the necessary health insurance coverage.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the policy is designed to ensure that residents can access healthcare services without suffering financial hardship due to medical expenses.
He noted that achieving universal health coverage would require the collective efforts of individuals, employers and the government. The governor also urged employers to see healthcare coverage for their workers as a necessary cost of doing business, just like pension contributions and other statutory obligations.
The newly launched Lagos Private Health Plans will cater mainly to salaried workers and corporate organisations, while the existing Ilera Eko scheme will continue to provide coverage for vulnerable residents and people working in the informal sector.
The governor also issued a strong warning to healthcare providers against refusing emergency treatment to patients because they cannot afford to pay immediately. He stressed that patients must first be stabilised before payment or insurance issues are discussed.
Sanwo-Olu further revealed that 21 Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) had already endorsed the new private health plans, describing the initiative as a collaborative effort between the state government and private healthcare operators.
With the January 2027 deadline approaching, residents, workers and employers in Lagos are expected to prepare for the new policy, which the government hopes will make healthcare more accessible and reduce the financial burden of medical treatment on households.
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