Govt Makes U-Turn on Mandatory Requirement for New Health Insurance Registration
The Ministry of Health has revised the registration process for the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), eliminating the requirement for couples to submit their marriage certificates.
The policy modification was revealed in a discussion between Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and the Delegated Legislation Committee of the National Assembly.
Conducted in Nairobi on Thursday, February 29, the gathering witnessed Members of Parliament expressing reservations about the stipulation. They emphasized that certain Kenyan individuals lacked marriage certificates as a result of traditional wedding ceremonies.
As a result, the Civil Service clarified that couples would no longer be required to present marriage certificates for registration.
“There was public outcry during countrywide public participation. This resulted in the amendment to only require proof of marriage,” she stated.
Nevertheless, additional records like national ID cards and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will remain essential.
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Furthermore, there will be a new initiative to gather biometric data from Kenyan citizens.
In the interim, the government has defended its efforts to require polygamous households to contribute higher insurance payments.
“If there is no limit on the number of beneficiaries one can list under their cover, why is a contributor required to pay an additional premium for each additional spouse?” National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee chair Samuel Chepkonga asked.
“In the spirit of equity and equitability, it is only fair that the contributor makes an additional payment for each spouse. The income is that of a household, which means it is the total income of all spouses,” Public Health PS explained.
As per the government’s timetable, enrollment for the new health insurance will start on Friday, March 1. Nevertheless, the Ministry has not provided explicit instructions for the procedure.
The government intends to initiate a 90-day exercise, during which a 2.75% deduction from salaries will commence starting July 1.
Govt Makes U-Turn on Mandatory Requirement for New Health Insurance Registration