Manny Ita –
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has unveiled a new social welfare program, “PenCare,” aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable retirees across Nigeria.
The initiative, currently in its pilot phase, is designed to provide free health insurance coverage to pensioners aged 65 and above who earn a monthly pension of ₦40,000 or less. This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen social protection systems and ensure that elderly citizens, particularly those with limited financial resources, can access essential medical services without hardship.
According to PenCom, the program will cover a range of basic healthcare services, reducing the financial burden many retirees face due to rising medical costs. Beneficiaries will be enrolled through selected health insurance providers, with the commission working in collaboration with relevant healthcare institutions to ensure smooth implementation.
Officials say the introduction of PenCare reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of senior citizens and addressing long-standing gaps in retiree healthcare support. If successful, the pilot scheme is expected to be expanded nationwide, potentially benefiting thousands of low-income pensioners.
Stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that access to affordable healthcare remains a critical challenge for many retirees living on modest pensions. The initiative is seen as a timely intervention that could significantly improve the quality of life for elderly Nigerians.
