In a step toward universal healthcare, the Government of Liberia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to roll out a digital health insurance pilot program.
The scheme aims to provide affordable health coverage to thousands of vulnerable Liberians, including persons with disabilities, unsupported pregnant women, unemployed youth and women, and street-involved children.
The pilot, set to begin enrollment on July 1, is a joint effort by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the National Identification Registry (NIR), and the National Insurance Corporation of Liberia (NICOL).
National health insurance pilot to target vulnerable groups
The health insurance pilot will initially cover between 3,000 and 5,000 Liberian citizens. According to LTA Acting Chairperson Abdullah L. Kamara, the project represents more than just a trial—it’s the beginning of a larger transformation.
Kamara emphasized that the LTA, under the National Digital Transformation Program, will provide the technological framework for secure enrollment, data processing, and fraud detection.
Enrollment will require a valid Liberian National ID, making accurate identification central to the program’s success. Andrew D. Peters, Executive Director of the NIR, emphasized that identity verification will help ensure benefits reach the intended recipients, thereby preventing the misuse of public funds. He warned that citizens who falsify personal details could face blacklisting from future government services.
The pilot’s design also reflects President Joseph Boakai’s promise to make healthcare more accessible. His administration views this initiative as a potential blueprint for a broader national health insurance system that could scale nationwide by 2029.
Digital tools to power Liberia’s healthcare transformation
Technology will play a key role in the program’s rollout. From online enrollment to service delivery, digital tools will streamline every aspect of the system. This includes verifying applicant information, processing claims, and tracking usage. Liberia is betting on technology to reduce fraud and improve healthcare delivery.
However, implementation could be challenging in rural areas, where digital access remains limited. According to 2023 data from the International Telecommunication Union, only 23.5% of Liberians had internet access, and while 59% owned mobile phones, the usage of smartphones remains unclear. Despite these barriers, the pilot is seen as an important test case for how digital infrastructure can support national development goals.
To support the rollout, a nationwide awareness campaign will soon begin. The public will be educated on how to enroll, what benefits are covered, and who qualifies.
NICOL to provide coverage for maternal and emergency care
NICOL, the state-owned insurer, will act as the risk carrier for the pilot. Acting CEO Abdullah Swaray confirmed that the health plan will cover maternal care, treatment of chronic and infectious diseases, and emergency services. Beneficiaries may pay a small fee—just a few hundred Liberian Dollars—while the government, through the LTA, will subsidize the majority of costs.
Swaray urged citizens to prepare for enrollment, calling the program a foundation for broader, digitally driven healthcare reform. If successful, the pilot could serve as a national model, making healthcare not only more accessible but also more transparent and efficient.