An initiative to increase the amount of health insurance coverage for retired military personnel has been launched by Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML).This was revealed at the 11th DHML Stakeholders Meeting with Military Health Care Providers, which was hosted at the Scorpion Officers Mess in Abuja, by Surgeon Rear Admiral AB Afolayan (Rtd), Managing Director/CEO of DHML.
Afolayan gave an overview of the organization's dedication to enhancing the healthcare options available to former service members.
The medical expert stated, "I want to assure that this will soon become a thing of the past and to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by veterans, especially in accessing comprehensive healthcare after their service."
He went on to say that the DHML's proposal entails expanding health insurance coverage to meet the unique requirements of retired military personnel, who frequently experience health problems without the support system of their military groups.
Afolayan emphasized that the expansion initiative is to meet retirees' increasing healthcare needs, especially those who have long-term medical issues.
"DHML intends to work closely with the Veteran's Departments of the Defence Headquarters and Services Headquarters to achieve this ambitious goal,” he stated. He also stressed the significance of collaborations and stepped-up awareness campaigns to make sure that retired military personnel are aware of the expanded coverage.
Retired Rear Admiral Afolayan outlined DHML's plans to expand its operational reach, including the establishment of permanent state offices in the states of Osun, Benue, Borno, and Kogi.
A second DHML office will also be opened by the organization in Lagos, with full operations expected to begin in January 2024. The FCT DHML office, which will only serve Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) in the FCT, is anticipated to open for business in the first quarter of 2024.
"These measures are essential for improved services to enrollees, more efficiency, and better coverage. It all comes down to the DHML's mission to offer all active and retired members of the armed forces affordable, high-quality healthcare services.
Plans to update DHML's Integrated Health Management System (IHMS) were also disclosed by Afolayan. The goal of the extensive IHMS overhaul is to move claims adjudication to a fully electronic procedure. The necessary healthcare provider staff is being continuously trained and retrained to guarantee a smooth and error-free electronic system installation.
While talking about the limitations in the way health insurance is administered, specifically with regard to exclusions and co-payments.
He alluded to DHML's purposeful policy of offering complete healthcare to veterans of the armed forces, stressing that no veteran experiencing medical problems has ever been turned away or refused access to care inside the organization.
The CEO reassured stakeholders that retirees' realities—such as their separation from military units and the frequency of chronic medical disorders in later life—are taken into consideration in DHML's proactive approach to veterans' healthcare. Attending the stakeholders meeting are all the medical organizations that offer services to the armed forces.