OBJECTIVES: This study explores how the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Ghana promotes equity in chronic illness care, focusing on potential disparities in dispensing practices and follow-up protocols for epilepsy medication.

METHODS: We analyze the NHIS framework for covering chronic illnesses and examine potential discrepancies in how epilepsy medication is dispensed. This analysis considers factors such as refill schedules, duration of medication supply, and potential impacts on patient-provider interaction.

RESULTS: While the NHIS covers medication for epilepsy, variations in dispensing practices (e.g., 30-day vs. 60-day supply) could lead to unequal access to follow-up care and monitoring. Patients receiving a shorter supply might require more frequent consultations, potentially impacting their medication adherence and epilepsy management. The current NHIS reimbursement structure for healthcare institution in Ghana (conditioned as 6 visits within 12 months) creates a complex scenario where both short and long refill schedules could have unintended consequences.

CONCLUSIONS: The NHIS plays a significant role in ensuring access to chronic illness medication. However, achieving true equity requires standardized protocols for dispensing medication that consider both cost-effectiveness for the healthcare system and optimal patient care. This includes ensuring all patients receive equal opportunities for monitoring and communication with healthcare providers. Further investigation is needed to identify the most equitable dispensing practices within the NHIS framework for chronic illness care.