Kenyans likely to start contributing for new health insurance fund by March

The Ministry of Health has initiated a public participation process, inviting citizens to contribute their views on the regulations guiding the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 implementation.

The moves follow the recent Court of Appeal decision granting approval for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and overturning a prior suspension on its implementation.

The Ministry aims to compile and analyse public feedback, generating a comprehensive report for approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate Health Committee.

After approval, the Ministry will proceed to gazette and implement the regulations. The entire process is expected to conclude by March, initiating government deductions to finance the universal healthcare program under the Social Health Insurance Act.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha issued a statement in the daily papers on Monday encouraging the public to share their insights on two key sets of regulations.

Interested individuals can participate through written memoranda or attend physical and virtual meetings convened for this purpose.

“The comments, views, representations, and any written memoranda may be forwarded to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary. Nairobi: hand-delivered to the office of the Cabinet Secretary on Afya House, 7th Floor, Nairobi, or emailed to [email protected]; to be received on or before February 9, 2024, at 5 pm,” part of the statement read.

The regulations under scrutiny include the Social Health Insurance General Regulations 2024, which outline the implementation framework for the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund, and the Social Health Insurance Dispute Resolution Tribunal Regulations 2024.

The public is also urged to provide feedback on the draft Regulatory Impact Statement.

Addressing concerns that led to legal challenges, the amended regulations stipulate that every resident of Kenya must register with the SHIF within 90 days of the regulations coming into effect. This registration ensures access to healthcare services under the Primary Healthcare Fund.

The revised regulations maintain a 2.75 per cent monthly deduction for salaried employees, while unsalaried households will contribute 2.75 per cent of their annual income. Salaries employees will contribute a minimum of Sh300 to the fund.

The Cabinet Secretary for Treasury at the national level and the County Executive Committee Members for Treasury at the county level will oversee collections. During the upcoming three-week public consultation period, stakeholders will address the topic of a cap on contributions, as the regulations do not currently specify one.