Summary

This actuarial analysis and costing of the extension of coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to Social Cash Transfer (STC) beneficiaries was developed by the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) of Zambia with the support of the ILO–EU Global Programme on Improving Synergies between Social Protection and Public Finance Management. At the request of NHIMA, and under the overall coordination of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), this project supported NHIMA in estimating the cost of expanding coverage to STC beneficiaries, in line with Section 16(c) of the National Health Insurance Act, as well as in assessing its impact on the overall financial sustainability of the scheme.

This report synthesizes the main results of the project and provides recommendations for action. It is hoped that the project results contribute to the extension of coverage of the NHIS and support NHIMA’s operational objectives to give effect to the National Health Insurance Act of 2018.