Rwanda ensures 70% of CBHI members receive government support amid premium hike

By The Inspirer.

The Rwandan government has stepped in to shield the majority of Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) members from financial strain following a nationwide increase in premiums. Over 70% of members will either see only a small increase of Rwf2,000 or have their contributions fully subsidized.

Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, emphasized that the adjustments were carefully calibrated to reflect households’ income levels. “We conducted nationwide consultations down to villages to ensure contributions align with each household’s capacity. Most of those affected remain within a manageable range, and government support ensures no one is left behind,” he said during celebrations of CBHI’s 25th anniversary in Rutunga Sector, Gasabo District.

The revised contribution scheme categorizes members based on income: the poorest 70% either pay Rwf4,000 fully covered by the government or Rwf3,000 with a Rwf1,000 top-up from the state. Higher-income members pay Rwf5,000 to Rwf20,000 annually, representing a small minority of the population.

Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), Louise Kanyonga, said the scheme has helped expand access to healthcare and improved life expectancy over the past 25 years. “CBHI has contributed to major public health gains: maternal mortality has dropped nearly 80%, child mortality by 72%, and overall life expectancy has increased by more than 20 years,” she noted.

The government’s support ensures that households can access CBHI benefits even as new, high-cost services—such as cancer treatment, dialysis, and advanced cardiac care—have been added to the scheme. Kanyonga stressed that the partnership between the state and citizens is critical to maintaining the fund’s sustainability.

RSSB reports that over the past decade, expenditures on CBHI members’ healthcare doubled from Rwf39 billion to Rwf98 billion annually, reflecting both the rising cost of medical services and the introduction of new treatments. Members’ contributions, however, cover only about 34% of actual healthcare costs, underscoring the importance of government support in bridging the gap.

This approach signals Rwanda’s commitment to social equity and inclusive healthcare, ensuring that premium adjustments do not undermine access for the most vulnerable citizens while strengthening the sustainability of the CBHI system.