Kenyans continue to raise concerns about the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) monthly premiums and customer benefits. Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai (centre) and SHA officials perusing through new health scheme rates.
On Sunday, December 15, the Ministry of Health disclosed the amount SHIF pays for critically ill patients per day spent in the hospital. What are SHIF benefits for ICU patients?
For patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and high dependency units (HDU) at Level 4 hospitals, SHIF pays KSh 3,360 per day, Level 5 hospitals (KSh 3,920 per day) and Level 6 hospitals (KSh 4,480 per day).
Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai said that under the new scheme, patients can access services based on a household limit of 180 days per year or pay for extra charges exiting the limit. What Kenyans said about SHIF contributions and benefits
The announcement sparked debate among Kenyans, who shared mixed reactions concerning the premiums paid and benefits they get. @OmondiRakuom asked: A limit of 180 days per year you say. So who can choose how long they will stay in the hospital? Is this not a joke?
Unless you tell us the 180 days are carried over to the next year if one doesn’t get sick. After all, payment is every month.” @MusaMMike wondered: “You lied to Mama Mboga, mtu wa mkokoteni na bodaboda that they’ll only pay KSh 300 instead of KSh 500 that NHIF used to charge.
Can you now explain to that demographic what “means testing” is and why they’d have to pay minimum KSh 1030 per month to access KSh 900 services per year?” @the_realight argued: “If SHA was working as it should, there would be no need for … updates.” @CPA_Toni asked: “Again explain to me why you deduct KSh 9,000 from me every month only to pay for the bed.” @arnoldi254 noted: “We wouldn’t need statements if it’s working.” @HesbornN claimed:
“Kumbe government isn’t really there to solve any of our problems, it’s all about what those in charge can get off the projects it undertakes, with endless statements about fixing things without any real action.” @kenyanthoughts said: “I pay 15k per month which is equivalent to a private insurance gold coverage. I expect proper services as per the hefty deductions. This is no joke.”
@dnkariuki noted: “If you have to defend your position on everything you roll out, there’s a problem.” @Nandanyonge lamented: “I have a neighbour mzee who used to go to level 5 got diabetic and hypertension clinic but now he is stranded. He can’t see specialists who are only in level 5 unless he pays cash.”
@Joshuainitials argued: “Can you listen to us and solve the issues we are raising instead of creating your own problems and giving them your own liking solutions? SHA/SHIF is not working. It’s a con game just for once be humble and stop your arrogance and attitude towards Kenyans.”
by Wycliffe Musalia