Osun pensioners credit Adeleke’s free health insurance scheme for improved survival

Pensioners in Osun State have credited Governor Ademola Adeleke’s free health insurance initiative with improving access to medical care and reducing mortality among retirees, as rising healthcare costs continue to strain elderly Nigerians living on fixed incomes.

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) said the state government’s decision to enrol 20,000 pensioners into its health insurance scheme at no cost has made a measurable difference in the well-being and survival of retirees. Speaking in Osogbo on Thursday, the union’s secretary, Lawrence Aina, described the programme as a critical intervention that has enabled pensioners to access treatment they would otherwise have been unable to afford.

Pensioners gain access to treatment amid rising healthcare costs

Aina said many retirees previously struggled to balance basic needs such as food and medical care due to limited pension payments and the rising cost of healthcare services across the country. According to him, the insurance coverage has significantly reduced the financial burden on pensioners by covering treatment costs that would otherwise have been paid out-of-pocket.

He noted that while the scheme initially focused on treating minor illnesses, it has since expanded to include partial coverage for surgical procedures. This expansion has improved the quality of care available to pensioners, many of whom face age-related health challenges that require more advanced medical interventions.

“The 20,000 pensioners enrolled were verified by us, and the figure is accurate. Our members are truly benefiting from quality medical services under the scheme,” Aina said, while urging the government to consider extending coverage to fully fund surgical procedures for beneficiaries who may require them.

Pension increase and insurance coverage ease financial pressure

Beyond healthcare access, the union also praised the Adeleke administration for approving an additional ₦25,000 monthly pension payment, describing the increment as another major step toward improving retirees’ living conditions. Aina said the increase has helped pensioners cope with inflation and meet basic needs without sacrificing their health.

One pensioner, Koka Koleosho, said the insurance scheme has allowed him to prioritise daily living expenses without worrying about hospital bills. He explained that before the initiative, many retirees avoided seeking medical care due to cost concerns, often worsening their health conditions.

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Now, he said, pensioners can access medical services while using their pensions to cover other essential needs such as food and housing.

The scheme reflects a broader effort to strengthen social protection

The health insurance enrolment forms part of broader efforts by the Osun State government to strengthen social protection systems for vulnerable groups, particularly retirees who are no longer part of the workforce. The programme also reflects growing recognition among state governments of the importance of expanding healthcare access for elderly citizens.

Healthcare affordability remains a major challenge in Nigeria, where out-of-pocket payments account for a large share of medical expenses. For pensioners living on limited incomes, health insurance coverage can significantly reduce financial hardship and improve health outcomes.

Pensioners in Osun say the state’s intervention has not only improved their access to treatment but also restored a sense of security and dignity, allowing them to live with less fear of falling ill without the means to pay for care.