The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Dormaa Municipality, Ghana: Why Some Residents Remain Uninsured?

The paper presents a quantitative investigation on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Dormaa Municipality, Ghana: Why some residents remain uninsured? Since its implementation a little over a decade now. The aim is to identify the obstacles of enrolment by the public, which would enable policy direction, to ensure that all residents are registered with the scheme. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July, 2013. Both purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 210 respondents and data obtained through self-administered, and face-to-face interviews guided by structured questionnaire. Chi square (χ(2)) test of independence was adopted to show the association between socioeconomic and demographic features as well as membership. Findings from the research suggest that residents’ decision to enrol is significantly associated with gender, education, number of children, place of residence, employment and income. It was also observed that membership is highly affected by premium level. The discussion of the findings and recommendations offered, if incorporated into the policy guideline of NHIS, could maintain, and at the same time increase enrolment level. This would guarantee quality and affordable basic health care protection for the good people of Ghana.