In a show of transparency and commitment to its stakeholders, the Namibia Health Plan (NHP) hosted a series of virtual engagement sessions to address concerns and provide clarity around its recent transition to a new Managed Care Service Provider, which took effect on 01 April 2026.
The sessions were structured to reach all key stakeholders: the first session, held from 14:30 to 16:30, was dedicated to NHP members, followed by a second session from 18:00 to 20:00 for healthcare service providers. Both sessions brought together the NHP Board of Trustees, members, and healthcare practitioners on a shared platform for open dialogue.
The primary aim of the engagements was to clear up misconceptions and address concerns arising from the transition. NHP acknowledged that the early weeks of the changeover had not been without challenges — particularly around claims processing delays that placed an administrative burden on healthcare providers and employer groups.
Rather than deflect, NHP’s leadership spoke directly to these issues, outlining the corrective measures and system implementations already underway to resolve them.
Sabrina Jacobs, Chairperson of the NHP Board of Trustees, offered clear reassurance to members:
“We would like to assure you from the outset that the fund management and the service providers are actively working towards stability. Our vision and mission remain the same, as we continue striving to provide access to quality healthcare for our members.”
Jacobs also confirmed the Fund’s continued commitment to regulatory compliance, including alignment with the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA), and assured stakeholders that coding alignment would remain consistent with Namaf standards throughout the transition.
A key message from the session was unambiguous: member benefits have not changed.
Dantago Garosas, Principal Officer of Namibia Health Plan, was emphatic on this point:
“All existing benefits remain the same during this transition. There are no changes to cover or contributions. Fund Rules, benefit options, benefit limits, and member contributions remain unchanged. The disruptions experienced are administrative only.”
Members were reminded that they remain fully covered in line with their existing benefit option and Fund Rules, and that the challenges encountered do not reflect any reduction or amendment to their benefits.
Beyond addressing the transition challenges, the engagement sessions gave NHP an opportunity to highlight meaningful improvements introduced for the 2026 benefit year.
Premium increases at an industry low NHP implemented a 3.5% premium increase across all options — the lowest increase in the industry and the lowest the Fund has recorded since 2008. Members on the Blue Diamond option saw no increase at all, with a 0% adjustment for 2026.
Expanded chronic care coverage Chronic medication reimbursement has been raised to 100% for members registered on the Chronic Care Programme, offering significant relief for those managing long-term conditions.
Improved home-based and private nursing care Benefit levels for private nursing and home-based care were increased by 20% across all options, broadening access to care beyond hospital settings.
A stronger focus on preventative health Reflecting NHP’s preventative care strategy, the Smart Saver benefit has been enhanced. Notably, the eligible age for mammogram screenings has been lowered from 50 to 40 years, with screenings now available every two years — a step aimed at encouraging early detection and better health outcomes.
The virtual engagement sessions were more than a crisis communication exercise — they represent NHP’s broader commitment to stakeholder relationships built on transparency and accountability. The sessions provided a platform not only for addressing concerns, but for celebrating the Fund’s achievements and expressing genuine appreciation to its members and healthcare providers.
As NHP continues to navigate the transition, the message from its leadership is consistent: stability is the goal, members remain the priority, and the Fund’s mission to deliver quality, accessible healthcare remains firmly on course.
For more information about your NHP benefits or the transition, contact NHP directly or visit: https://nhp.com.na/.
