Nakhumicha Justifies Why Kenyans Will Continue to Pay for NHIF Despite SHIF Rollout
The government has taken steps to address worries about the status of pending payments owed to healthcare facilities as it gets ready to shift to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). They emphasized that Kenyans are still required to make payments to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) until the complete transition to SHIF.
Health Secretary Susan Nakhumincha, addressing the Senate on April 17, under increasing pressure, detailed the government’s strategy. It involves establishing a transition committee to scrutinize all claims, guaranteeing fair compensation for healthcare providers as the country transitions to the upcoming health coverage model scheduled to commence on July 1st.
CS Nakhumincha assured senators that despite disclosing a significant debt of Ksh30 billion owed by NHIF, with Ksh22 billion linked to government entities, there was no need for concern. She emphasized that service providers would receive payment after verification and reconciliation of claims, ensuring resources were accessible.
Yet, in a notable declaration, CS Nakhumincha revealed plans to soon disburse Ksh8.5 billion to initiate the repayment of these debts. Of this amount, Ksh5.5 billion will be provided by the Treasury, with an extra Ksh3 billion tapped from NHIF reserves. The distribution of these funds is anticipated to commence by the upcoming week.
Even though certain healthcare facilities are refusing NHIF cardholders over outstanding claims, the Cabinet Secretary encouraged all Kenyans to persist in making their NHIF contributions as the country transitions to SHIF.
CS Nakhumincha emphasized the seamless transition from NHIF to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), stressing the importance of medical facilities in maintaining service to Kenyans without disruption.
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Under the revised system, Kenyans won’t need to choose their preferred medical facilities as they were previously obligated to do by NHIF.
As per the Health CS, the incorporation of all health facilities into SHIF will allow citizens nationwide to easily access medical services from any healthcare facility, thereby improving service efficiency.
Last week, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) emphasized the critical need to address financial inconsistencies, particularly underscored by unresolved NHIF claims totaling Ksh2 billion. This issue has significantly disrupted operations within their network of facilities.
Bishop Anthony Muheria, Vice Chair of KCCB, conveyed the dire situation in a press address, stating, “Faith-based hospitals are owed huge amounts by NHIF, amounting to over Ksh2 billion. The effect is that most of our hospitals are crippled, and not able to operate optimally.”
The financial pressure has escalated significantly as around 400 private hospitals, mainly in rural regions, are now declining NHIF cards. Instead, they insist on upfront cash payments from patients due to NHIF’s unpaid debt, which amounts to approximately Ksh6.1 billion.
The transition committee is anticipated to have a crucial function in this procedure, guaranteeing the acknowledgment of all valid claims and ensuring a smooth shift to SHIF.
The transition to SHIF is expected to bring about a healthcare system that is fairer and more effective, which is vital for enhancing health results nationwide.
Nakhumicha Justifies Why Kenyans Will Continue to Pay for NHIF Despite SHIF Rollout
