The Social Health Authority (SHA) has provided clarity on the future of NHIF amidst a pending court ruling on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
In a statement shared on July 24, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SHA Elijah Wachira confirmed that NHIF services will remain accessible to all eligible members who have paid.
According to Wachira, the continuation through NHIF existing framework will ensure that there is no gap in health financing.
“Pending the lifting of the Court orders and within the 45 day-stay order period, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) services will continue to be availed to all paid up and eligible members,” the statement reads in part.
“The service continuation through NHIF existing framework will ensure that there is no gap in health financing. We want to reassure you that all NHIF obligations will be honored as per existing contracts with service providers and Fund members. All preparatory activities necessary to ensure the success of SHA will continue to be undertaken in tandem with the efforts to ensure full compliance with the Court orders,” Elijah stated.
He added that the engagement in such preparatory activities including membership registration, validation of the benefit packages, engagement of health facilities for contracting, and market sensitization, including public education, to facilitate effective public participation, will continue as scheduled.
Also Read: 17 New Benefits Introduced by SHIF That NHIF Didn’t Cover
Court Suspends Ruling on SHIF
High Court on July 12, 2024, suspended its decision that invalidated the Health Acts for a period of 45 days to allow the government time to appeal.
The government’s plan to roll out the new SHIF to replace NHIF suffered a blow after the Court declared it unconstitutional.
While delivering the verdict a three-judge bench constituting Justices Alfred Mabeya, Robert Limo, and Fridah Mugambi ruled that there was no public participation in coming up with the new healthcare programme.
The judges further noted that there were disparities in the new Social Health Insurance Act since it would burden a few salaried individuals by creating a disparity in the contributions.
Registration for SHA
The SHA online registration option is available using a stable and secure self-service online web portal (sha.go.ke) that also integrates into a mobile interface to ensure registration convenience for all through the USSD code the*147#
It is designed to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all through comprehensive coverage and quality care without financial worry.
SHA benefit package is more advanced compared to benefits offered under NHIF (Supa Cover) aimed to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
The authority urged Kenyans to stay informed about the latest updates and improvements to their healthcare benefits.
Likewise, it noted that further updates will be shared progressively on their website www.sha.go.ke and official social media page @_shakenya.
Also Read: Employers Issue Directive on NHIF After Nakhumicha Extends SHIF Rollout
About SHIF Replacing NHIF
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is the statutory manager of the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCF), created to deliver Social Health Insurance (SHI).
As such, this is part of a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) delivery agenda tailored to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality, affordable and comprehensive quality health services.
SHIF covers health promotion, prevention, curative, rehabilitation, and palliative care ensuring no one experiences financial hardship.
Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha had previously published a document breaking down treatment tariffs that will be used under SHIF.
She revealed that Kenyans with SHIF insurance policies will also be able to access six free services at SHIF-accredited hospitals in the country.
Among the services Kenyans will be able to access include HIV testing and follow-up tests, access to Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, family planning, and antimalarial medication and testing.
SHA deductions have been capped at 2.75% for all contributors, with higher income earners expected to pay more than lower earners.
The lowest contributor will now pay Ksh 300, compared to the current Ksh 500 paid to NHIF.
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