HAAD holds workshop to inform health insurers about inspection procedures

The announcement was made at an introductory workshop, held at the Authority, to inform authorized insurance companies, brokers and third party administrators about the inspection procedures that HA-AD will be conducting in order to verify cooperation with the Health Insurance Law and its Code of Regulations.

During the workshop, HA-AD confirmed that it has completed all required procedures to commence inspections on companies and all organizations involved in the Health Insurance Scheme. The Authority also confirmed that it has authorized inspectors from the Department of Justice to visit all public and private organizations, authorized insurers, and healthcare providers to ascertain that all parties are operating according to the Law. The inspectors will also investigate complaints that have been filed at HA-AD in relation to the Health Insurance Scheme.

To ensure smooth progress of planned inspections, HA-AD will coordinate logistics with organizations involved. However, HA-AD is authorized to conduct an inspection without prior notice if it comes in response to a complaint filed at the Authority and the relevant warrant is subsequently issued by the court, or if it is an emergency.

"Inspectors are obliged to act according to the guidelines set by HA-AD and the Department of Justice", stated Mr. Sultan Al Dhaheri, Head of Section Claims and Reimbursements at HA-AD. "They must present written reports clearly stating the objectives of the inspection, details about the procedures followed and their proposed recommendations."

Mr. Al Dhaheri added that: "Any information or evidence seized during the course of an inspection will be returned to the organization concerned following the conclusion of the investigation. Inspectors will take every precaution to safeguard the seized material until it is released back to its owner."

HA-AD confirmed that the inspections programme will commence within the following weeks. The workshop finished with a request from the Authority for all organizations involved to comply with the Law and to cooperate with the authorized inspectors.