PenCom launches free healthcare scheme for low-income pensioners

The National Pension Commission has kicked off a pilot phase of a free healthcare programme targeting low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, opening registration for 30,000 beneficiaries across the country.

In a notice released on Friday, the commission said the initiative, known as PenCare, is designed for pensioners aged 60 and above who earn a monthly pension of N70,000 or less through their Pension Fund Administrators.

PenCom explained that enrolment for the scheme would be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, urging eligible retirees to sign up via its official website or through their respective PFAs.

“The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enrol in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the notice read. “If you are at least 60 years old and receive a monthly pension not exceeding N70,000, you qualify for this pilot phase.”

The commission noted that the programme is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical expenses on pensioners and improving their overall well-being.

“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by easing the cost of healthcare,” PenCom stated.

The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over the welfare of retirees in Nigeria, many of whom are struggling with rising healthcare costs and the impact of inflation on their income.

Earlier, PenCom inaugurated the Board of Trustees for PenCare, also known as the Pension Industry Healthcare Initiative, appointing former Director-General of the commission, Muhammed Ahmad, as chairman. The programme is intended to expand access to quality healthcare services for retirees under the CPS.