No NHIF admissions after September 30 as SHIF takes full effect

 

Kenyans will not access healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) after September 30, 2024, as the government plans to fully transition to the new health insurance scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

In a statement on Sunday, NHIF CEO Elijah Wachira said that the benefits under the SHIF shall take effect on October 1, 2024, and will be managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He added that payments received on or before October 9 shall be credited to NHIF and payments made onwards will be credited to SHA

Employers have been advised to register their staff members before October 1 and use the SHA employer portal through https://sha.go.ke/ to manage their staff's contributions.

An employer will first be required to create an account and verify their account.

They will then be needed to enter their employees' details and register them with SHA. 

All contributions, 2.75% of an employee's monthly pay, will then be remitted to SHIF.

On August 30, the Ministry of Health released new tariffs for the benefits package in the new Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) medical scheme.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed that the Linda Mama programme for expectant mothers will be incorporated and enhanced to sustain the gains in reducing maternal mortality rates in Kenya.

Cancer patients will get a cover of up to Ksh.400,000 for various oncological services.

“In response to the rising maternal mortality rate (MMR), we have prioritized financing for indigent pregnant mothers. Tariffs for normal deliveries have been increased to Ksh.10,000 and for C-sections to Ksh.30,000, ensuring comprehensive coverage for mothers and their families,” she said while leading stakeholders at a national validation forum.

Under SHIF, patients with diabetes seeking outpatient services provided in Level 4 to 6 facilities will get a cover of up to Ksh.4,300, those dealing with hypertension Ksh.2,850, while those having sickle cell anaemia Ksh.6,800 per year.

Inpatient services in Level 4 to 6 hospitals, with a limit of admission of up to 180 days per household, shall charge a tariff of Ksh.3,360 in Level 4, Ksh.3,920 in Level 5, and Ksh.4,480 in Level 6.

Tariffs for the management of kidney failure in Level 3-6 facilities will range from Ksh.10,650 for hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration services per session and a Ksh.85,200 monthly fee for peritoneal dialysis.

By Moses Kinyanjui