NHF introduces special registration number

The National Health Fund (NHF) has announced that it will be introducing a special registration number (SRN) for individuals such as senior citizens, children, and adults who live in state-owned or privately owned homes who have been unable to obtain a tax registration number (TRN) due to what it describes as extraordinary circumstances.

In a press release issued yesterday, Everton Anderson, chief executive officer of the NHF, said the government agency has recognised that there are potential beneficiaries who cannot get an NHF card because they do not have a birth certificate, which is required by Tax Administration Jamaica when applying for a TRN.

"Given our strategic priority to improve access by Jamaicans to affordable healthcare, we have implemented a system for the vulnerable while maintaining the integrity of the beneficiaries' records," Anderson said.

He noted that the SRN would not replace the TRN, but would provide a necessary alternative for persons in special circumstances. Consequently, the NHF will reserve the right to consult the Registrar General's Department for verification where necessary.

The release stated that a monitoring and evaluation system has been implemented to examine enrolment and claims activities along with an ongoing review of the process to identify and mitigate additional risks and improve efficiency.