New health services lead to higher mutuelle de santé contributions

Speaking on March 19 to the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender, and Family Affairs, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the newly added services which were previously fully funded by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), would increase costs by at least 21 billion Rwandan francs annually.

Launched 25 years ago, Mutuelle de Santé aims to provide universal access to healthcare. Membership fees started at 1,000 Frw, rose to 3,000 Frw in 2011, and are now adjusted by income: the lowest-income group is fully subsidized, while others pay 3,000 to 20,000 Frw per year. RSSB estimates that 90% of members will pay between 4,000 and 8,000 Frw.

The expanded coverage includes cancer treatment, kidney care, joint replacements, orthopedic and spinal surgeries, assistive devices for disabilities, hearing support, and eye care.

“Last year, Mutuelle spent 98 billion Frw, with members contributing 31 billion Frw, or about 34% of the total,” Dr. Nsanzimana said. He added that MINALOC and RSSB are correcting errors in assigning members to the proper payment tiers, aiming for completion by July 2026.

The minister emphasized that, despite the higher fees, costs remain reasonable compared to the services now provided. For example, kidney dialysis, previously limited to 18 sessions per patient, can now be fully covered, along with other expensive treatments.

Lawmakers welcomed the changes but urged the Health Ministry to clearly communicate the reasons for the new contributions and address potential issues, including medicine shortages and treatment delays.

The new contributions will be collected and implemented beginning July 2026.