Conclusive Breakdown of Kenya’s New Social Health Insurance Program
On Monday, February 26, the Ministry of Health announced the extension of Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) deductions from March to July 2024.
Nakhumicha stated that the registration exercise would conclude on June 30 and members would commence enjoying benefits in the 2024/2025 financial year.
While revealing the new deduction timeline, the Health CS highlighted that all relevant stakeholders had been consulted, and the document would be presented to the Attorney General for gazettement.
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The government also outlined plans to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The initiative aims to equip SHIF with real-time data on these activities, ensuring the timely detection of loopholes previously exploited by unscrupulous individuals for fraudulent activities.
For those who had already registered for NHIF:
Individuals registered under the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are required to re-register with the new Fund within 90 days from its effective date.
Current NHIF cards will remain valid until December 2024, as revealed by National Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Dr. Robert Pukose.
For parents:
The Ministry of Health has mandated that all 7-year-olds must be registered for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) within 90 days, commencing from March 1.
“Within ninety days upon the coming into force of these regulations, every person resident in Kenya shall apply for registration as a member of the SHIF,” the regulations state.
For the Salaried and for those who are unemployed:
Under the new health insurance fund, employed Kenyans will have 2.75 percent of their gross salary deducted monthly.
On the other hand, individuals with non-salary income will contribute 2.75 percent of their household income annually, determined through means-testing by the Ministry of Health.
However, the monthly contribution shall not be less than Ksh300.
For Couples:
Couples will no longer be required to provide their marriage certificates during registration into the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), following a review by the Ministry of Health.
However, the government has justified its stance to impose additional charges on polygamous families for insurance.
“In the spirit of fairness and equality, it is appropriate for each spouse to make an additional payment. The household income encompasses the total income of all spouses,” explained the Public Health PS.
These proposals come in light of the recent government schedule outlining the registration process for the new health insurance, scheduled to commence on Friday, March 1. However, clear guidelines for the exercise are yet to be provided by the Ministry.
Conclusive Breakdown of Kenya’s New Social Health Insurance Program