Republic of Benin
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Social Security Mutual Organization of Cotonou : Subscription of an employer to the benefit of his employees.
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Cotonou Social Security Mutual Organization (MSS-Mutuelle de Sécurité Sociale de Cotonou) was created in 1999 under the initiave of Benin’s Ministry of Labour and Public Fonction (MTFP).
This organization offers health and old-age insurance services and aims in particular informal sector workers and their families, as well as individuals who do not beneficiate of any social protection, which is nearly 85% of Benin’s population.
It is managed by a Board of directors composed by members elected by member associations’ representatives, of a technical management team composed by paid personnel and beneficiates of the financial support of MTFP to function.
In order to overcome the difficulties affecting the performance, MSS has beneficiated of ILO/STEP technical assistance to redynamise the healthcare branch. The main reforms were effective as of January 2006.
The membership is open to workers’ associations of the informal sector. The membership fee for associations is 7.000 FCFA and for individuals the fee is 3.000 FCFA.
The monthly contribution per beneficiary is 600 FCFA and the rate corresponding to mutual services is 70% in conventional health zones, after an observation period of three months.
The agri-pastoral farmhouse « Girardin Luigi » of Alada is located nearly 100 Km away from Cotonou. It specializes in poultry and sheep farming and commercialisation. The employees of this farmhouse are estimated to 28 agents who do not beneficiate of social protection in what concerns sickness insurance and they have showed financial difficulties to access health care.
To solve this situation, the manager in charge of the farmhouse has decided to subscribe all his employees and their family members, 100 beneficiaries in total, to MSS.
Additionally, in cooperation with the employees, monthly contributions are deducted and deposited directly by the farmhouse manager to the mutual organization.
In order to facilitate geographical access to healthcare beneficiaries, the mutual organization has signed a convention with two health zones of Alada.
Nowadays, Cotonou’s Social Security Mutual Organization has around 2.600 beneficiaries.
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