In a move to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability, the Rwandan Cabinet, during its meeting on January 17, 2025, approved significant updates to the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme and revised health service tariffs.
These decisions aim to improve the quality of healthcare services for the nation and ensure that pricing reflects current realities.
Fourteen new medical services have been added to the CBHI package, which already covers 92% of Rwandans.
These new services include critical interventions such as cancer treatment, kidney transplants, interventional cardiology, minimally invasive surgery, and hip and knee replacements.
The integration of these services into the CBHI scheme is expected to be fully implemented by June 2025.
Revision of health service tariffs
The last revision of health service tariffs occurred in 2017. Over the years, the costs of healthcare delivery have increased due to advancements in medical infrastructure and technology.
The updated tariffs reflect these changes, ensuring that healthcare providers can sustain high-quality services while remaining affordable for the population.
Prices for advanced medical services, such as medical imaging and radiology, have been reduced by 34%.
For instance, the cost of a CT brain scan for CBHI beneficiaries has dropped from Rwf 45,000 to Rwf 16,283, with a co-payment reduced to 1,628 RWF from 4,500 RWF.
Essential services have been adjusted to reflect actual costs while retaining substantial government subsidies.
For example, a normal delivery at a public health facility now costs 27,944 RWF. CBHI beneficiaries will pay 1,126 RWF, slightly up from 926 RWF, while insurance covers 11,261 RWF.
The new tariffs cater to CBHI, RAMA (Rwanda Medical Insurance Scheme), and private insurance schemes.
Specific rates have also been established for East African citizens and international clients. This ensures that healthcare services are inclusive and sustainable.
To maintain alignment with the evolving costs of healthcare, the tariffs will now be reviewed every two years, ensuring a dynamic and responsive pricing structure.