Oh, as for the Health Insurance…it’s good, but…: rural elders in Agate, Ghana, discuss the National Healthcare Insurance Scheme


https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2017.6300
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2017)
Submitted: 21 September 2016
Accepted: 30 November 2016
Published: 15 February 2017
Elders, Health, Policy, Africa, Qualitative study
Abstract Views: 1043
PDF: 505
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Authors

  • Eileen Smith-Cavros
    eilesmit@nova.edu
    Department of Conflict Resolution Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
  • Joyce Avotri-Wuaku Department of Conflict Resolution Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
  • Albert Wuaku Religious Studies Department, School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States.
  • Amal Bhullar Department of Biological Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.
This paper investigates the Ghanaian National Healthcare Insurance Scheme (NHIS) through interviews with 28 elders over 50 years old with pre-existing illnesses in Agate, a rural village in Ghana. Our goals were to obtain snapshot views of the lives, in relation to health, wellness, and NHIS, of participants. Elders possessed reasonable information about NHIS. For most enrollees, NHIS provided peace of mind against financially-related health challenges, however, inability to afford non-covered medicines sometimes interfered with treatment. Most interviewees, insured or not, reported continuing chronic health problems. Based on qualitative data, we describe possibilities to improve elder experiences including: transportation to medical care, increased drug coverage, and faith-based health partnerships.

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Supporting Agencies

Nova Southeastern University

Smith-Cavros, Eileen, Joyce Avotri-Wuaku, Albert Wuaku, and Amal Bhullar. 2017. “Oh, As for the Health Insurance…it’s Good, but…: Rural Elders in Agate, Ghana, Discuss the National Healthcare Insurance Scheme”. Qualitative Research in Medicine and Healthcare 1 (1). https://doi.org/10.4081/qrmh.2017.6300.

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