The planned rollout of the Social Health Insurance Authority (SHA) on October 1 to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has continued to elicit reactions among Kenyans.
Some have questioned why NHIF could not be maintained instead of conducting a fresh registration exercise. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Wednesday, September 25, clarified that NHIF and SHA are two different systems hence NHIF cannot be rebranded to SHA.
Addressing the media at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Mwaura clarified that NHIF cannot be integrated into SHA, explaining that the new cover is more comprehensive and covers more medical conditions unlike NHIF.
“It is a different demographic, a different contribution, and SHA comprises of three different funds,” he explained.
Mwaura added that SHA is a broader cover that will see increased funding from the government compared to NHIF, ensuring that Kenyans get the medical attention they need.
“SHA will cover primary health care, critical conditions, and emergency health care,” he stated.
Responding to whether Kenyans will be able to register within the stipulated time considering the fast-approaching October 1 rollout date, Mwaura said that the registration is ongoing, and that two million Kenyans have so far registered under the new SHA cover.
The spokesperson urged Kenyans to register for the new cover to enjoy the benefits of its improved provisions.
“This shift from NHIF to SHA aims to provide comprehensive, quality, and equitable healthcare for all Kenyans, including those in the informal employment sector,” said Mwaura.
“Through the engagement of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), SHA envisions a system in which preventive and promotive healthcare services work towards early diagnosis and treatment, further lessening the disease burden.”
Also Read: What Will Happen to Patients on NHIF When SHA is Rolled Out? Ministry of Health Explains
SHA Registration
On September 17, 2024, Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elijah Wachira issued a public notice to all employers, providing essential information regarding the transition from NHIF to SHA, payment deadlines, and the use of the SHA Employer Portal.
Wachira said every Kenyan citizen, including dependents, is mandated by law to register as a member of the SHA.
“The last date for admission under NHIF is 30 September 2024, and SHA benefits will begin on 1 October 2024,” he said.
Also Read: 17 New Benefits Introduced by SHIF That NHIF Didn’t Cover
He added that all employers must use the SHA Employer Portal (https://sha.go.ke/) to manage employee SHIF contributions.
Key functions of the portal include the registration of employees and their dependents into SHA, making SHIF contributions on behalf of their employees, accessing and downloading contribution statements and other reports, and managing changes in employee details or dependents.
“Ensure all your employees are registered with SHA before 1 October 2024, and kindly adhere to the payment deadlines to avoid any disruptions in healthcare coverage for your employees,” Wachira added.
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