Know your medicines, Ask questions, and always double check.
We've taken time to provide answers and compile a list of our Frequently Asked Questions we get asked by enrollees and interested parties to help you get your own questions answered quicker. If you can't find an answer for yours, just give us a call on any of our lines or fill our inquiry form to let us Know
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All Civil/Public Servants within the state and private individuals in formal sectors who are able to contribute to the scheme as prescribed by the scheme, in addition to a spouse and four biological children below the age of eighteen years.
HOW MANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS ARE COVERED BY MY CONTRIBUTION?
Each eligible family is allowed a maximum of 6 beneficiaries (ie: the contributor(principal), a spouse and four biological children below the age of (18)eighteen years)
.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTRIBUTORS HAVING MORE THAN ONE WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN?
Any member of the family outside the eligible (5) five can be registered as additional dependants.
WHAT ARE THE DEDUCTIONS/CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHEME?
For those in public service, a total of 2% of gross monthly earnings is deducted towards the running of the scheme.
HOW CAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATE?
Private sector participation is through the employer, who shall remit the premium payable to the scheme in a manner as prescribed by the scheme.
WHERE CAN ONE SECURE THE CARDS?
The cards can be collected at BHIS Office, Location
IF MY SPOUSE IS ALSO A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, WOULD THERE BE A REBATE?
No, there will be no rebate.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY CONTRIBUTION IF ME OR MY FAMILY DOES NOT ACCESS CARE?
In social health insurance, there is a cross subsidization where the healthy subsidize for the ill, the young subsidize for the old, and the higher income group subsidize for the lower income group, this is solidarity, being your brother's keeper.
DOES THE SCHEME COVER TREATMENT OUTSIDE OF NIGERIA?
No, the scheme does not cover treatment outside of Nigeria.
CAN MY CHILD ABOVE 18 YEARS BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME?
No, he or she should be enrolled under the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Scheme TSHIP. However if that child is not yet in tertiary institution, they can be covered as an extra dependant.
IF I GET SICK OUTSIDE MY PRIMARY STATION, HOW DO I ACCESS HEALTHCARE?
You can go to the nearest BHIS accredited provider and upon provision of your ID card, receive treatment. The hospital will contact your primary provider (ie: the hospital you registered with), who will contact BHIS office if necessary.
CAN I REQUEST FOR A PARTICULAR INVESTIGATION OR DRUG AT THE HOSPITAL?
You cannot request for any investigation, specific drugs or procedure, except at the doctor's recommendation/prescription.
AM I REQUIRED TO PAY ANYTHING AT THE POINT OF SERVICE?
No, for now, however the scheme may introduce a co-payment of 10% of the cost of drugs later.
CAN I REQUEST TO SEE A SPECIALIST DIRECTLY IN MY HOSPITAL OF CHOICE?
You are required to see your chosen primary healthcare provider first, who will refer you to see a specialist if/when necessary.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CASE CANNOT BE HANDLED AT MY CHOSEN HOSPITAL/PRIMARY PROVIDER?
The hospital will get an authorization from the BHIS Office and refer you to the most appropriate hospital/specialist (secondary provider) where you will be properly taken care of.
HOW DO I REGISTER WITH THE SCHEME?
Contact BHIS Office
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I'M TOLD TO BUY DRUGS EITHER BY THE DOCTOR OR THE PHAMARMACIST?
Report to the BHIS office for clarification.
CAN I REGISTER ANY DEPENDANTS WHO IS NOT MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes, if they can be registered as extra dependants
HOW DO I CHANGE MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?
You can contact the BHIS office directly to fill a change of provider form.
CAN I CHOOSE A PROVIDER THAT'S NOT ON THE BHIS LIST OF APPROVED PROVIDER?
No, you are only allowed to use a BHIS accredited provider.
AT THE HOSPITALS, BHIS PATIENTS ARE USUALLY DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AND GIVEN LOW QUALITY TREATMENT AND/OR CHEAP DRUGS, WHAT CAN I DO IF I ENCOUNTER SUCH?
Whenever you experience such mal-treatment, please call the BHIS office and lodge your complaints and we will deal with the situation accordingly.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SERVICES AND DRUGS ARE COVERED UNDER THE SCHEME?
They are all in the BHIS list which is distributed to the accreditted healthcare providers. Or you can contact the BHIS Office.
WHO DO I COMPLAIN TO WHEN I'M NOT SATISFIED BY THE SERVICES OF THE PROVIDER?
You can lodge your complaint to BHIS office in person, call our contact numbers or fill the support form below.
DOES THE SCHEME COVER ALL KINDS OF DISEASES?
No, It does not cover all kinds of diseases.
HOW SOON AFTER REGISTRATION CAN I START BENEFITTING FROM THE SCHEME?
There is at least a three month waiting period after registration before an enrollee can access care.
OFFICE LOCATION
BHIS office is located very close to the Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, which is located to the Bayelsa State Government House, Ovom, Yenegoa.
