PS Kimtai: Pay for private cover for extra benefits not covered under SHIF

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has told Kenyans seeking additional services not covered under the newly launched Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to purchase private health insurance.

"If you want extra benefits, you have to pay for private cover," he said as he sought to clarify concerns about the new scheme.

He added that the government's transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) was necessary to resolve technical issues that previously allowed for corruption and to ensure equality in healthcare access for all Kenyans.

In recent weeks, critics have raised concerns that the SHIF system has locked out thousands of patients, limiting their access to essential medical services.

Responding to these allegations, Kimtai explained that the government aimed to create a more equitable framework for health service payments.

Under the NHIF, Kenyans paid a minimum of Sh500 and a maximum of Sh1,700.

To improve this system, Kimtai announced that the government has established a uniform contribution rate of 2.75 per cent of an individual's gross income.

"We came to the conclusion of 2.75 per cent of their gross income. There's no cap," he said, highlighting that this new structure ensures that all contributions are equal and proportional to income.

The PS assured that every Kenyan would receive the same benefits under the SHIF.

However, he noted that those seeking additional services or benefits would need to purchase private health insurance. "If you want extra benefits, you have to pay for private cover."

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