“Our Growth Has Not Kept Pace With Our Resources, but We’re Working to Fix It”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The National Health Insurance Authority says it is making steady progress in paying hundreds of health care workers enrolled in the program.

Providers within the National Health Insurance Authority have long raised concerns about delayed payments to doctors and other health care professionals delivering services under the NHI scheme.

Back in March, Prime Minister Philip Davis acknowledged that there was “always some glitch in the bureaucratic process,” adding that he didn’t know what was causing the delays.

At the time, the Physicians Providers Association sent a letter requesting a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss late payments, policy changes, operational inconsistencies and the sustainability of the NHI framework.

Now, months later, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer admits the increase in beneficiaries and providers has put a strain on the system, saying its growth has not kept pace with NHI’s resources.

Christy Butler – Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Authority

“And if you look at programs like this throughout the region and throughout the world, this model really is an outlier and it’s not sustainable, and so that has caused us to have some challenges in terms of our obligations in a timely manner. What we’re all working on is trying to diversify funding as much as possible. We have been communicating with our providers and our vendors directly regarding any delays and a payment schedule. That gives you broader context.”

But physicians insisted they wanted immediate answers.

During several press conferences, they even raised the possibility of withholding care and services from patients enrolled in the NHI program.

However, Butler says clear and direct communication has prevented that.

Christy Butler – Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Authority

“We communicate with our providers directly because they are contracted with the Authority. They are vendors of the Authority, so we communicate with them directly. We also have direct partnership with the Medical Association of The Bahamas, so the Medical Association of The Bahamas holds a seat on the NHI Board.”

Christy Butler – Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Authority

“What I really want is the need for diversified funding for this program because it is so important, and when we are adequately resourced, we can meet our commitment to all of our vendors.”