By Peter Ochieng
The transition from National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to Socia Health Insurance (SHI) will start in earnest, On Monday, July 01, 2024.
Addressing the press on Friday, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha said the registration exercise is free of charge.
“This will be conducted countrywide through self-registration using a USSD *147# or www.sha.go.ke, assisted registration by Community Health Promoters, visiting the NHIF Offices and other registration points as the SHA board will designate. Please note that registration is free,” she stated.
She said Kenyans who have been enjying healthcare srvics under NHIF, will not be affected in any way with the SHI roll-out.
“I want to give assurance to all Kenyans and in particular, those who have been enjoying healthcare services under NHIF that they will not be denied any services during this rollout phase. I call upon all facilities to continue offering services to Kenyans and assure them that all claims will be verified and settled.”
She said that Community health promoters will be available to assist Kenyans who face difficulties, in registration.
The use of a centralized digital platform under SHI, the CS said will be critical in providing registration, contribution, the benefits package, empanelment, claims management, and other services, all geared towards preventing loss of public funds.
“In light of the millions of public funds lost through fictitious claims as evidenced above, digitization of processes of the Social Health Authority including claims management as provided for under the Social Health Insurance Act must be guaranteed,” she stated.
As an adult, one requires a National ID Number to register while children need a birth certificate. Foreign residents may use their Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID) or a Refugee ID for refugees.
Employers will contribute 2.75% of their employees’ salaries to the health insurance fund, while those not in formal employment will pay Sh300 per month.
