The Ministry of Health (MoH) has outlined 17 new benefits under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) repealing the current National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
MoH said SHIF has introduced additional benefits which Kenyans did not access under the NHIF Supa Cover.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha extended the deadline for SHIF rollout to October 1, 2024. Deductions are expected to commence on November 22, 2024
Among the benefits introduced are the provision and training in the use of assistive devices such as prosthesis, orthosis, hearing aid, mobility aids (crutches and wheelchairs), clubfoot brace, pressure stockings and gait belts.
The new Insurance Fund also covers Rehabilitative Services, including neurological disorders such as epilepsy and dementia, as well as childhood disorders like Autism.
SHIF New Health Benefits
Additionally, SHIF will cover Palliative Care for terminal illnesses such as cancer and chronic conditions, pediatric conditions, inpatient care, home-based care, commodities, assistive devices, and pain management.
Oral Health Services, such as tooth extraction, tooth canal treatment, tooth fillings, and dental surgical procedures, will be catered for.
Also Read: Employers Issue Directive on NHIF After Nakhumicha Extends SHIF Rollout
The health fund has further introduced a comprehensive Sickle Cell cover, including screening for newborns, drugs for sickle cell disease, and red cell exchange.
Critical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU), as well as emergency services like evacuations and stabilization, are provided for all Kenyans in the Insurance fund.
Other Covers Under the New Health Funding Model
Furthermore, SHIF covers emergency services, including evacuations and stabilization, for all Kenyans, and offers enhanced oncology services that include comprehensive treatment plans rather than just sessions.
The enhanced surgical package includes comprehensive coverage of life-saving interventions such as those for heart conditions, and mental health care, including drug and substance abuse rehabilitation, is also covered.
In addition, there is expanded renal services to include post-transplant medicines and a more comprehensive cover of the donor and recipients and last Expense covering the mortuary Fee and body preparations.
Also Read: How to Apply for SHIF: Step by Step Guide
Likewise, bone marrow transplant, which was mainly offered oversees, but is currently offered in Kenya has been introduced and enhanced maternity package at all health facilities, from dispensaries to referral hospitals.
The new fund covers Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Screening including clinical breast exam, cervical cancer screening (Visual Exam – VIA/VILI) and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.
Other NCD screening catered for are Prostate exam (Digital rectal exam and prostate specific antigen test), Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test), Hypertension and diabetes.
How to Register for SHIF
The registration to Social Health Authority (SHA) can be done through self-registration by use of USSD code *147# or via the online platform on www.sha.go.ke.
All NHIF branch offices across the country will also be used as registration centers, in addition to support by Community Health Promoters at villages.
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