Heath Cabinet Security (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has assured Kenyans that marriage certificate is no longer an on-boarding requirement for the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) scheme.
Nakhumicha made the announcement when she appeared before the National Assembly’s Legislation Committee on Thursday, March 1, 2024.
“There was an outcry from the public during countrywide public participation. This led to the amendment to require proof of marriage only,” stated CS Nakhumicha.
She was addressing the concern raised by members of parliament who needed clarification on why proof of marriage was required before registering a spouse as a beneficiary.
Also Read: 5 Questions & Answers on New Health Fund Replacing NHIF
On their defense the lawmakers stated that asking for a marriage certificate would exclude many Kenyans who haven’t formalized their unions.
SHIF scrutiny committee
At the same time, Samuel Chepkonga-led team said it had finalized scrutinizing the proposed new Social Health Insurance Regulations
Another controversial matter was the need that each spouse contributes to the new SHIF plan. The committee sought answers on the rationale behind an additional premium for each additional spouse.
“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,” posed the Committee chairperson.
“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,” explained Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health, and Professionals Standards.
Phasing out NHIF
Social Health Authority (SHA) set to replace the current heath cover provider National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). SHA establishes Funds namely, Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
The purpose of the Primary Healthcare Fund shall be to purchase primary healthcare services from health facilities. The capital of this fund will include appropriation from the National Assembly.
All citizens, including those born after the Act’s enactment, will be registered as SHIF members at birth.
Also Read: Govt Sets Deadline for Kenyans to Register Under SHIF
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said the new fund will benefit all Kenyans, including the removal of the need to raise money for medical bills and the availability of free healthcare at level 1, 2, and 3 facilities via SHA registration.
For Kenyans who are salaried, they will contribute 2.75% of their gross wage.
According to the State, Kenyans will start contributing to the new scheme from July 1.
