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| Health CS Deborah Barasa |
The Ministry of Health seeks to raise KSh 148 billion annually through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions. Health CS Deborah Barasa said SHIF will be rolled out countrywide from Tuesday, October 1. How many Kenyans have registered on SHIF? Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa said the funds will be used to boost the country’s healthcare system. From Tuesday, October 1, Kenyans visiting healthcare facilities with their National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cards will be required to register afresh under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
CS Barasa told the National Assembly’s Committee on Health that the government had registered slightly over two million Kenyans under the new scheme. “On October 1, we expect ground activations in 15 counties where the county executive members, in collaboration with county and deputy commissioners, will lead the rollout. Governors and county health officials will also support in the digital roll out in their counties,” the CS explained. What is covered under SHIF?
The benefits under the Social Health Authority include preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services. SHA noted that these benefits are provided at level 4, 5, and 6 health providers and facilities under the fund. The programme covers emergency services, critical care services beyond those included in the essential healthcare benefits package, and treatment and management of chronic illnesses. The government invited healthcare providers (HCPs) and healthcare facilities (HCFs) to submit contractual applications to offer these services under SHIF. What are the new SHIF premiums?
According to the new SHIF premiums, a person earning KSh 6,000 gross monthly salary will pay KSh 165 compared to KSh 300 previously paid to NHIF. A person earning KSh 15,000 will pay KSh 412, down from KSh 600; those earning KSh 20,000 will pay 550; and those earning KSh 35,000 will pay KSh 926, down from KSh 950. Kenyans raised concerns with the benefits allocated to every beneficiary, saying they had no issue with premiums.
by Japhet Ruto