Polygamous Families Gain Health Insurance Discounts in New Law

Polygamous Families Gain Health Insurance Discounts in New Law

Polygamous families could potentially pay fewer deductions under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) if recent proposals are accepted.

During a Parliamentary session with the National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee and Health Ministry officials on Thursday, MPs expressed concerns about the plan requiring individuals with multiple spouses to pay additional premiums under the medical scheme.

If a man has two wives, he is currently expected to pay 2.75 percent for each wife, as they are recognized as separate households. As a result, the man would pay a total of 5.5 percent under the SHIF plan.

The MPs suggested revising the proposal and replacing the term ‘additional spouse’ with ‘households’ for clarity.

If the proposal is passed, a man with two wives would be required to pay only 2.75 percent because the two wives would be considered one household.

Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai assured the MPs that the proposal would be examined, and the language would be clarified.

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Committee Chairperson Samuel Chepkonga instructed the PS to present a corrigendum within a week, with the necessary adjustments included.

In this context, a corrigendum is a document that includes revisions to correct any inaccuracies in a publication.

During the session, the Committee also questioned whether the regulations would meet Kenyans’ expectations.

Legislators emphasized that all concerns of Kenyans should be considered before launching the new medical scheme.

The Health Ministry requires all Kenyans to register with SHIF by June 30, 2024, ahead of the official launch on July 1, 2024.

Until then, Kenyans will continue contributing to the existing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) before transitioning to the new scheme.

Polygamous Families Gain Health Insurance Discounts in New Law