Health Ministry urges Kenyans to register for SHIF to receive benefits in October

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to start receiving benefits from October 1st. This announcement follows a public participation event held on Friday at KICC.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Social Health Authority, conducted a national validation exercise for the Social Health Insurance Act tariffs.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa highlighted the importance of these tariffs in improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.

“The Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act introduces three key funds designed to enhance preventive health, expand coverage, and protect against medical costs. Additionally, increased tariffs for maternal health and emergency care highlight the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare,” said Barasa.

In a meeting with various stakeholders and the public who were invited to provide their input on the tariffs, the process had previously been halted by a court order declaring it unconstitutional.

Last week, school-age children and students nationwide were instructed to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) before the start of the third academic term.

In a letter dated August 16, Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang directed regional and county education officials to ensure all Kenyans register for SHIF, with students registering as dependents of their parents.

“The Ministry of Health and the State Department for Medical Services, through the Social Health Authority, have developed an enhanced benefit package for Edu Afya under the Social Health Insurance Fund,” said Kipsang.

“All school-going children are therefore required to register as dependents of their parents before the beginning of the third term of 2024.”

Students can register on the SHIF platform via the official website, afyaangu.go.ke, or by using the USSD code *147#.

“For any registration issues, please contact the Social Health Authority call centre at 0800720601 or email [email protected],” Kipsang added.

Under the new SHIF guidelines, Kenyans must initially seek treatment from Level 2 or 3 facilities, except in emergencies. Access to Level 4, 5, and 6 facilities requires a referral from a primary health facility.

The SHIF requires all workers to contribute 2.75 per cent of their salaries, replacing the previous NHIF deduction structure. For instance, those earning Sh20,000 will now contribute Sh550, while those earning Sh100,000 will pay Sh2,750.

Contributions for the unemployed and vulnerable individuals have been adjusted to Sh1,000 per month, with the national government covering Sh13,300 for vulnerable persons.

Contribution to SHIF is mandatory for all adults seeking government services, and foreigners staying for over 12 months must enrol in the scheme. Short-term visitors need to purchase recognised travel health insurance.

The Primary Health Care Act, 2023, mandates the construction of community health units and one health facility per 5,000 citizens. Key services like ARVs, HIV testing, family planning, antimalarial treatment, anti-TB medication, and KEPI vaccines will be free.

Inpatient services at Levels 4-6 will cost between Sh3,500 and Sh5,000 per admission, with a 50-day limit. Maternity services will cost Sh11,200 for normal deliveries and Sh32,600 for cesarean sections.

Renal care will range from Sh10,500 per session for dialysis to Sh180,000 monthly for Peritoneal dialysis.

Mental wellness services will cost between Sh1,200 (outpatient) and Sh5,000 (inpatient, Level 6). Oncological services include Sh5,000 for chemotherapy, Sh53,000 for a PET Scan, and Sh11,000 for an MRI.

Other diagnostic imaging costs are Sh11,000 for MRI, Sh9,600 for CT scans, and Sh8,000 for CT Angiography. Pharmacy services at public pharmacies will remain free.

End-of-life services will cost Sh500 per day, with a maximum stay of five days.