Health

Kenyans to register for Social Health Insurance from July 1, says Nakhumicha

Doctors attend to patients at a Kenyan hospital in the past. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Charity Kilei | Friday, June 28, 2024

The exercise will be conducted countrywide through self-registration and other registration points, as the Social Health Authority (SHA) board will designate.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced that registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will commence on Monday, July 1, 2024.

The exercise will be conducted countrywide through self-registration and other registration points, as the Social Health Authority (SHA) board will designate.

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They can also be assisted with registration by community health promoters and by visiting National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) offices.

"In preparation for the rollout of Social Health Insurance, Kenyans can register for free through the USSD code *146# or visit the Social Health Authority's (SHA) website and its benefits. I hereby announce that registration shall commence on July 1, 2024," CS Nakhumicha said in a statement.

"Please note that registration is free."

The Ministry of Health has also formulated a new benefit package and tariffs, which have been circulated for public review and stakeholder feedback.

Some of the proposed tariffs outlined within the SHIF include: inpatient services in Level 4-6 hospitals, with a limit of admission of up to 50 days, shall charge a tariff of Sh3,500 in Level 4, Sh4,000 in Level 5, and Sh5,000 in Level 6.

President William Ruto receives a brief on the roll out of Universal Health Coverage from the Ministry of Health officials led by Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Maternity, newborn, and child health services accessed in Level 4-6 healthcare facilities will have a Sh11,200 tariff for normal delivery and Sh32,600 for caesarean sections, while renal care packages in Level 4-6 facilities will have patients paying Sh10,500 for hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration services per session and a Sh180,00 monthly fee for peritoneal dialysis.

Outpatient care services provided in Level 2, 3, and 4 primary health care referral facilities designated by the Authority shall cost Sh2,000.

The Social Health Authority Board has received a list of empanelled facilities from regulatory bodies and will initiate contracting for service delivery ahead of the rollout.

The SHI Act was enacted on October 19, 2023, and came into operation on November 22, 2023, with a one-year (twelve-month) period to wind up the NHIF.

Nakhumicha added that the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until the government rolls over to SHA.

"I call upon all facilities to continue offering services to Kenyans and assure them that all claims will be verified and settled," Nakhumicha stated.

Regarding the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which aimed to fund the Primary Healthcare Fund and other healthcare initiatives, CS Nakhumicha assured Kenyans that the Ministry is adjusting its plans to reflect this development.

President William Ruto addresses the media at State House, Nairobi on June 26, 2024 where he announced the withdrawal of the punitive Finance Bill, 2024. (Photo: PCS)